How to Prepare for a VA Disability Examination for Sleep Apnea 

Posted by Berry Law on February 21, 2025 in Veterans Appeals

Sleep apnea is one of the most commonly claimed conditions among Veterans. Whether you use a CPAP machine, suffer from daytime fatigue, or experience breathing interruptions during sleep, knowing how to prepare for your exam is essential to securing the correct disability rating. 

Why the VA Disability Exam Matters for Sleep Apnea Claims 

A Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam is a critical step in the VA disability claims process for sleep apnea. The exam helps the VA determine whether your sleep apnea is service-connected and what rating percentage applies. Many Veterans don’t realize that the results of this examination can significantly impact their disability benefits. 

What to Expect at a VA Sleep Apnea Examination 

A VA disability exam for sleep apnea is typically conducted by a VA-contracted medical professional. The examiner will review your medical records, ask questions about your symptoms, and may conduct a physical evaluation. 

During the exam, the examiner may: 

• Ask about your sleep history – including snoring, gasping for air, and excessive daytime sleepiness. 

• Review medical records – to see if a sleep study confirmed your diagnosis. 

• Evaluate secondary conditions – such as PTSD, heart disease, or obesity, which could contribute to sleep apnea. 

• Determine functional impact – assessing how sleep apnea affects daily activities, work, and quality of life. 

Important: The examiner does not decide your rating—they only provide a medical opinion. The VA uses this report to determine service connection and the appropriate disability rating. 

Steps to Prepare for Your VA Disability Examination for Sleep Apnea 

1. Gather Medical Evidence 

Strong medical records are the foundation of a successful VA sleep apnea claim. Bring: 

• Your sleep study results – A confirmed sleep apnea diagnosis from a VA or private doctor is crucial. 

• Doctor’s notes – Reports from your physician detailing symptoms and prescribed treatments. 

• CPAP compliance records – If you’ve been prescribed a CPAP machine, showing regular use strengthens your claim. 

• Buddy statements – Statements from a spouse, roommate, or fellow service members who observed your sleep disturbances. 

If your diagnosis occurred after military service, you may need to provide evidence showing how your time in service contributed to the condition. 

2. Be Honest and Detailed About Your Symptoms 

During the exam, clearly explain how sleep apnea affects your daily life. Common symptoms include: 

• Loud snoring and gasping for air during sleep. 

• Chronic fatigue and excessive daytime sleepiness. 

• Difficulty concentrating or memory problems. 

• Frequent headaches or dry mouth upon waking. 

• Worsening of other service-connected conditions (such as PTSD or hypertension). 

Tip: Don’t downplay your symptoms. If sleep apnea affects your work, driving, or relationships, let the examiner know. 

3. Explain How Sleep Apnea is Service-Connected 

The VA requires proof that your sleep apnea is linked to military service or caused by a service-connected condition (secondary service connection). 

Possible service connections include: 

• Direct service connection – Sleep apnea symptoms began during active duty. 

• Secondary service connection – Sleep apnea is aggravated by PTSD, TBI, or another service-connected condition. 

• Presumptive service connection – Gulf War Veterans may qualify if sleep apnea is linked to environmental exposures. 

Be prepared to describe how your time in service contributed to or worsened your condition. 

4. Be Ready for Common VA Exam Pitfalls 

• Examiners may not be sleep specialists – Some VA examiners may not fully understand sleep apnea, so be clear when explaining your symptoms. 

• Failure to link sleep apnea to service – If the examiner believes your condition is unrelated to service, your claim may be denied. 

• Downplaying symptoms – Some Veterans understate their struggles, which can lead to an incorrect rating. 

If the examiner’s findings do not reflect the severity of your condition, you have the right to appeal. 

VA Disability Ratings for Sleep Apnea 

The VA rates sleep apnea based on the severity of symptoms and treatment required: 

• 0% Rating – Diagnosis of sleep apnea, but no significant symptoms. 

• 30% Rating – Persistent daytime sleepiness but no need for a CPAP machine. 

• 50% Rating – Requires CPAP or BiPAP machine to treat symptoms. 

• 100% Rating – Chronic respiratory failure or other serious complications. 

Key Takeaway: CPAP use is critical for securing at least a 50% VA rating for sleep apnea. If your doctor prescribed a CPAP but you haven’t used it, this could impact your disability rating. 

Need Help With Your VA Sleep Apnea Claim? 

Filing a VA sleep apnea claim—or appealing a denial—can be challenging. Working with a VA disability attorney can strengthen your case by gathering medical evidence and fighting for the highest possible rating. 

Call Berry Law today for a free case review. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About VA Disability Examination for Sleep Apnea 

1. Do I need a sleep study to qualify for VA disability? 

Yes, a diagnosed sleep study is required to prove sleep apnea. If you don’t have one, speak with your doctor or request a VA sleep study. 

2. How does the VA determine if sleep apnea is service-connected? 

The VA looks for evidence that your sleep apnea began in service, worsened due to service, or was caused by a service-connected condition. 

3. What if my VA sleep apnea claim is denied? 

You can appeal the decision by submitting new medical evidence, a Nexus letter, or requesting a Board of Veterans’ Appeals hearing. 

4. Can PTSD or TBI cause sleep apnea? 

Yes. PTSD and TBI are commonly linked to sleep apnea, and many Veterans receive secondary service connection for these conditions. 

5. What should I do if the VA gives me a low rating for sleep apnea? 

If you believe your rating is too low, consider filing for a rating increase with updated medical evidence and compliance records.