---
title: "DC 6847 - Sleep Apnea Syndromes (Obstructive, Central, Mixed)"
diagnostic_code: "6847"
body_system: "Respiratory System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.97"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/respiratory/6847-sleep-apnea"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.97"
updated: "2026-07-21T20:41:22.613231Z"
---

# DC 6847 - Sleep Apnea Syndromes (Obstructive, Central, Mixed)

Rated under § 4.97. Body system: Respiratory System.

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| 100% | Chronic respiratory failure with carbon dioxide retention or cor pulmonale, or; requires tracheostomy |
| 50% | Requires use of breathing assistance device such as continuous airway pressure (CPAP) machine |
| 30% | Persistent day-time hypersomnolence |
| 0% | Asymptomatic but with documented sleep disorder breathing |

# Sleep Apnea Syndromes — VA Disability Rating (Diagnostic Code 6847)

**Body System:** Respiratory System · **Regulation:** 38 CFR § 4.97

## Understanding Sleep Apnea and How the VA Rates It

Sleep apnea syndromes—including obstructive, central, and mixed types—are breathing-related sleep disorders. Under Diagnostic Code 6847, the VA rates these conditions on a scale that reflects the severity of symptoms and the level of medical intervention required, ranging from 0% to 100%.

Ratings are assigned based on documented findings, such as the presence of a diagnosed sleep-disordered breathing condition, daytime symptoms, the need for a breathing assistance device, or the presence of serious respiratory complications.

## Available Rating Levels

| Rating | What It Reflects |
|--------|------------------|
| **100%** | Chronic respiratory failure with carbon dioxide retention or cor pulmonale, **or** requires a tracheostomy |
| **50%** | Requires the use of a breathing assistance device, such as a continuous airway pressure (CPAP) machine |
| **30%** | Persistent day-time hypersomnolence (excessive daytime sleepiness) |
| **0%** | Asymptomatic, but with documented sleep disorder breathing |

## What the VA Looks For

When evaluating sleep apnea under Diagnostic Code 6847, the VA considers evidence such as:

- **A documented sleep-disordered breathing diagnosis**, which supports at least a 0% (noncompensable) evaluation even when there are no symptoms.
- **Persistent daytime hypersomnolence**, which corresponds to the 30% level.
- **The requirement for a breathing assistance device**, such as a CPAP machine, which corresponds to the 50% level.
- **Severe respiratory complications**, including chronic respiratory failure with carbon dioxide retention, cor pulmonale, or the need for a tracheostomy, which correspond to the 100% level.

Each level in the schedule builds on documented medical findings, so having clear records of your diagnosis, symptoms, and any prescribed treatment or devices is central to how this condition is evaluated.

Source: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.97