Central Sleep Apnea

DC 6847Respiratory38 CFR 4.97, DC 6847

A sleep disorder where the brain temporarily stops sending signals to the muscles that control breathing during sleep, different from obstructive sleep apnea where a physical blockage causes pauses. Rated the same way as obstructive sleep apnea based on treatment needs.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on the type and intensity of treatment you require. Higher ratings correspond to more aggressive treatment regimens, such as daily medication, insulin dependence, or the need for ongoing medical management.

Diagnostic code

DC 6847

Rating range

0% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.97, DC 6847. This guide presents a plain-language summary and is not a substitute for the full regulatory text. Always consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney for case-specific advice.

Rating Levels

You have chronic respiratory failure with carbon dioxide retention, or cor pulmonale (right heart failure), or you require a tracheostomy to manage your breathing.

What the VA looks for

Chronic respiratory failure documented
Carbon dioxide retention on arterial blood gas
Cor pulmonale (right heart failure) confirmed
Tracheostomy in place
Pulmonologist and sleep medicine specialist records

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting a polysomnography (sleep study) that specifically identifies central sleep apnea vs. obstructive — the distinction matters for treatment and for connecting to underlying causes.
⚠Not documenting that you require a CPAP or BiPAP machine — the 50% rating requires a prescribed breathing assistance device with evidence of use.
⚠Not filing for excessive daytime sleepiness if you do not use a breathing device — persistent hypersomnolence alone qualifies for 30%.
⚠If secondary to heart failure or a neurological condition, document the connection clearly with a medical opinion explaining how the primary condition causes central sleep apnea.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Sleep Apnea

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Related Conditions

Conditions commonly associated with Central Sleep Apnea or rated under the same body system.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

DC 6847·Respiratory

Bronchial Asthma

DC 6602·Respiratory

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

DC 6604·Respiratory

Allergic Rhinitis

DC 6522·Respiratory

Chronic Sinusitis

DC 6510·Respiratory

Pulmonary Embolism (Residuals)

DC 6817·Respiratory

Sarcoidosis

DC 6846·Respiratory

Bronchiectasis

DC 6601·Respiratory

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…

Central Sleep Apnea

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 6847

Rating range

0% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have chronic respiratory failure with carbon dioxide retention, or cor pulmonale (right heart failure), or you require a tracheostomy to manage your breathing.

What the VA looks for

Chronic respiratory failure documented
Carbon dioxide retention on arterial blood gas
Cor pulmonale (right heart failure) confirmed
Tracheostomy in place
Pulmonologist and sleep medicine specialist records

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting a polysomnography (sleep study) that specifically identifies central sleep apnea vs. obstructive — the distinction matters for treatment and for connecting to underlying causes.

⚠Not documenting that you require a CPAP or BiPAP machine — the 50% rating requires a prescribed breathing assistance device with evidence of use.

⚠Not filing for excessive daytime sleepiness if you do not use a breathing device — persistent hypersomnolence alone qualifies for 30%.

⚠If secondary to heart failure or a neurological condition, document the connection clearly with a medical opinion explaining how the primary condition causes central sleep apnea.