Introduction
Sleep apnea is more than just a bad night’s sleep. For veterans, it’s a condition that can impact everything from mental clarity to heart health. But despite its seriousness—and its increasing prevalence among service members—filing a successful VA disability claim for sleep apnea can be unexpectedly difficult. The approval rates aren’t as high as they should be, and denials often stem from technicalities or insufficient medical linkage.
So, how do you win a sleep apnea VA claim? The key lies in presenting the right combination of medical evidence, service connection, and support documentation. In this guide, we’ll walk through the step-by-step process to build a strong claim and improve your chances of a favorable outcome.
Understanding Sleep Apnea: More Than Just Snoring
Sleep apnea is a disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. There are three main types:
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) – Caused by physical blockage of the airway
Central Sleep Apnea – Related to brain signal dysfunction
Mixed Sleep Apnea – A combination of both
Obstructive sleep apnea is by far the most common, especially among veterans. It often goes hand-in-hand with other service-connected conditions like PTSD, hypertension, or obesity linked to limited physical activity from injuries.
The hallmark symptom is loud, chronic snoring, but it can also include choking during sleep, extreme fatigue, headaches, and difficulty concentrating.
Why Sleep Apnea Is Hard to Win Through the VA
On the surface, filing for sleep apnea may seem straightforward. If you have a diagnosis, shouldn’t that be enough? Unfortunately, it’s not. The VA uses a three-part test to grant disability compensation for any condition:
A current diagnosis
Evidence that the condition was caused or aggravated by military service
A nexus—a medical link—connecting the two
Most veterans get tripped up on steps two and three. A diagnosis alone isn’t enough. You need to prove that the sleep apnea is directly tied to your time in the service or is secondary to another condition that is.
Start With the Diagnosis: The Sleep Study Requirement
Before anything else, the VA requires a sleep study to confirm the diagnosis. This can be done through the VA itself or a private sleep specialist. Without it, your claim will likely be denied automatically.
A note from your doctor saying you “likely” have sleep apnea is not sufficient. The VA wants quantifiable proof—oxygen saturation drops, apnea-hypopnea index scores, and whether you require a CPAP machine or other assistive device.
This might seem excessive, but from the VA’s perspective, a formal diagnosis is the foundation on which everything else is built.
Direct vs. Secondary Service Connection
To win a sleep apnea claim, you must establish a service connection. There are two main paths to do this:
1. Direct Service Connection
You need to show that your sleep apnea began during service or was diagnosed soon after separation. This is the most straightforward path, but also the rarest. Why? Because few service members are diagnosed with sleep apnea while actively serving. Sleep studies are uncommon during active duty, and symptoms are often dismissed or misattributed.
That said, if you have documented complaints of fatigue, snoring, or interrupted sleep during service, these can help build a case.
2. Secondary Service Connection
This is the most common—and most successful—route for veterans today. A secondary claim links sleep apnea to another condition the VA has already rated.
Some of the most accepted connections include:
PTSD: Hyperarousal and poor sleep can contribute to the development or worsening of sleep apnea.
TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury): Central sleep apnea may be linked to brain trauma.
Weight gain: Caused by service-connected musculoskeletal issues that reduce activity.
To use this route, your provider must show that your sleep apnea was caused or aggravated by the primary condition.
What Evidence Do You Need?
You can’t win a sleep apnea claim without solid documentation. The following are essential:
Sleep Study Results: From VA or private providers.
CPAP Machine Prescription: If you use one, include proof and documentation showing it’s medically necessary.
Service Records: Any mentions of sleep problems during service—even from fellow service members—can help.
Medical Nexus Letter: Arguably the most important document. This letter, written by a medical professional, needs to state that it is “at least as likely as not” that your sleep apnea is connected to your service or another service-connected condition.
Buddy Statements: Written statements from people who served with you or family members who witnessed your symptoms during or after service. These statements are particularly valuable if there’s no in-service diagnosis.
Common Mistakes That Sink Claims
Many sleep apnea claims are denied for reasons that could have been avoided. Here are some frequent pitfalls:
No sleep study on file
No nexus letter connecting the condition to service
Claims based only on CPAP use without explaining causation
Missing documentation of symptoms or complaints from service time
Assuming diagnosis alone is enough
Taking the time to prepare your evidence before filing can prevent unnecessary delays—or outright denials.
A Sample Strategy That Works
Let’s say you’re a Marine Corps veteran already rated 50% for PTSD. You’ve recently been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea and prescribed a CPAP. You can build a strong secondary claim by asking your psychologist or psychiatrist to write a nexus letter connecting the sleep apnea to PTSD, citing medical literature that shows a high correlation between the two.
You also add a buddy statement from your spouse, who describes years of witnessing you choke or gasp during sleep. You include your sleep study and CPAP machine prescription, and you submit everything in a Fully Developed Claimpackage.
That’s the kind of thorough, evidence-rich approach that dramatically improves your odds of approval.
If You’re Denied: Next Steps
Don’t panic if your initial claim is denied. Many sleep apnea claims are approved only after appeals or supplemental claims. You have several options:
Supplemental Claim: Add new medical evidence (e.g., updated nexus letter or sleep study).
Higher-Level Review: Ask for a senior reviewer to re-examine your claim.
Board of Veterans’ Appeals: Present your case to a judge if necessary.
Each step takes time, but with persistence and the right support, success is possible—even after a denial.
Final Thoughts
Winning a VA claim for sleep apnea isn’t easy, but it’s far from impossible. The key is to approach it like a mission: gather intel (medical evidence), secure support (nexus letters and buddy statements), and plan your strategy (direct vs. secondary connection). Veterans are more likely to succeed when they file clear, evidence-based claims that leave little doubt about the service connection.
If you’re battling sleep apnea and it’s tied to your time in uniform, don’t let the VA’s red tape discourage you. You have the right to compensation for the impact this condition has on your health and quality of life. File smart, stay organized, and fight like the warrior you are.
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