VA Disability CalculatorVA Disability Rating for Sleep Apnea
Diagnostic code 6847, Sleep Apnea Syndromes (Obstructive, Central, Mixed), is in 38 CFR 4.97. The criteria below are the current schedule. A proposed revision is not in effect.
Current rating criteria (DC 6847)
| Rating | Criteria in 38 CFR 4.97 | 2026 monthly, veteran alone |
|---|---|---|
| 100% | Chronic respiratory failure with carbon dioxide retention or cor pulmonale, or; requires tracheostomy | $3,938.58 |
| 50% | Requires use of breathing assistance device such as continuous airway pressure (CPAP) machine | $1,132.90 |
| 30% | Persistent day-time hypersomnolence | $552.47 |
| 0% | Asymptomatic but with documented sleep disorder breathing | $0.00 |
The 0% row is in the schedule. VA’s compensable pay tables start at 10%, so a 0% rating has no monthly amount in those tables. At 30% and above, dependents can change the amount. See the 2026 pay chart.
Open the calculator with 50% filled in, or 30%, or 100%. If you have other disabilities, add them. Combined ratings use VA math, not addition.
The section’s authority is 38 USC 1155. The citation in the eCFR text is 61 FR 46728 (Sept. 5, 1996), as amended at 71 FR 28586 (May 17, 2006).
Proposed changes are not current law
On February 15, 2022, VA published a proposed rule at 87 FR 8474 (FR Doc. 2022-02049, RIN 2900-AQ72). VA proposed to extensively revise DC 6847 so compensation would track earning impairment rather than treatment. The proposal says the current criteria evaluate based upon treatment rather than actual impairment, including higher ratings when more intensive therapies such as CPAP are prescribed. That proposal has no effective date in the Federal Register text we saved.
On September 12, 2024, VA published a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking at 89 FR 74162 (FR Doc. 2024-20542, same RIN). It proposes to add a diagnostic code for constrictive bronchiolitis (obliterative bronchiolitis). It says VA will address comments on the February 15, 2022 proposed rule, and comments on the supplement, in a final rulemaking. The supplement does not itself replace the DC 6847 criteria quoted above.
The eCFR issue dated August 27, 2026 still contains the DC 6847 criteria in the table. Until a final rule is effective, those are the ratings in the schedule.
Sources
- 38 CFR 4.97, diagnostic code 6847. eCFR title 38 latest issue date August 27, 2026 (up to date as of October 16, 2026). Retrieved October 20, 2026.
- 87 FR 8474 (Feb. 15, 2022) and 89 FR 74162 (Sept. 12, 2024).
- Pay: VA.gov veteran rates, effective December 1, 2025, checked October 19, 2026.
Last checked October 20, 2026. Estimates only. Not a rating decision.
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Frequently asked questions
Is a CPAP machine a 50% sleep apnea rating?
Under the current diagnostic code 6847, “Requires use of breathing assistance device such as continuous airway pressure (CPAP) machine” is the 50% level. A proposed rule published February 15, 2022 would change that approach. It is not in the eCFR text dated August 27, 2026.
What is the 100% sleep apnea rating?
Current DC 6847 assigns 100% for chronic respiratory failure with carbon dioxide retention or cor pulmonale, or a requirement for tracheostomy.
How much is 50% VA disability in 2026 with no dependents?
The official 2026 rate for a veteran alone at 50% is the amount in the table on this page, from VA.gov, effective December 1, 2025. Dependents can change pay at 30% and above. Use the pay chart or the calculator.