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.

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 →

Condition Rating Guides

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

Central Sleep Apnea

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.