Respiratory & Sleep Playbooks

Sleep apnea and respiratory conditions require specific evidence—sleep studies, CPAP compliance, and often a secondary connection to an existing disability.

The VA rates sleep apnea based on treatment requirements and frequency of symptoms. If you're on CPAP, your compliance data matters as much as the initial diagnosis.

Many veterans file sleep apnea as secondary to PTSD, weight gain from limited mobility, or other service-connected conditions. These playbooks cover both direct and secondary paths.

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Sleep Apnea VA Claim Field Manual

Secure the VA sleep apnea rating you earned with in-service evidence, compliant CPAP records, and 38 C.F.R. §4.97 Diagnostic Code 6847 tactics.

All Respiratory & Sleep Playbooks

Sleep Partner Statement

Have your partner document snoring, apnea episodes, and CPAP use.

Respiratory Nexus Outline

Connect respiratory conditions to service or other disabilities.

Secondary Conditions Finder

Find conditions that commonly link to sleep apnea.

Do I need CPAP compliance data?

Yes. Download usage data from your machine or request a compliance letter from your sleep clinic. The VA looks for consistent use when rating severity. (Rating criteria as of early 2026—check VA.gov for any updates.)

How do I claim sleep apnea as secondary?

You need a nexus letter connecting sleep apnea to a service-connected condition like PTSD (stress affecting sleep), weight gain from limited mobility, or sinusitis. The playbook covers common secondary angles.

File a Claim Playbooks

Step-by-step VA disability claim guides for new claims, secondary conditions, and TDIU. Lock your effective date, build your evidence, and submit a complete packet.

Decision Review Playbooks

VA decision review guides for Supplemental Claims and Higher-Level Reviews. Choose the right lane, gather new evidence, and fix bad decisions.

Evidence & Exams Playbooks

C&P exam prep and rating increase guides for VA disability claims. Document worsening symptoms, prepare for exams, and build evidence that supports accurate ratings.

Mental Health Playbooks

VA disability claim guides for PTSD, depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. Stressor statements, therapy documentation, and C&P exam prep.

Pain & Mobility Playbooks

VA disability claim guides for back pain, knee conditions, and joint disabilities. Range of motion documentation, flare-up evidence, and orthopedic C&P exam prep.

Neurological Playbooks

VA disability claim guides for TBI, migraines, and neurological conditions. The 10-facet TBI rating system, prostrating headache documentation, and secondary claims.