More and more veterans have found that they cannot sleep at night and an estimated 27% – 54% of veterans are diagnosed with a sleep disorder — caused by health, PTSD, and other medical conditions. The inability to sleep has a profound impact on the health and well-being of veterans in a variety of ways, with an impact on mood, diet, heart health, mental health, decision making, and more. With more and more veterans diagnosed with sleep disorders like sleep apnea and insomnia, many veterans want to know — what are the VA disability ratings for sleep apnea and insomnia? VA Benefits Attorneys may be able to help answer your questions.

How Many Veterans Are Diagnosed with Sleep Apnea and Insomnia?  

A published National Veteran Sleep Disorder Study explored the prevalence of sleep disorders in veterans from 2000 – 2010. Sleep apnea and insomnia were the most common sleep disorders to be found in veterans and an estimated 47% of veterans were diagnosed with sleep apnea and an estimated 26% of veterans were diagnosed with insomnia. The study found that veterans are 6x more likely to have a sleep disorder and that Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a comorbid condition that is prevalent in veterans. PTSD was found to be a common occurrence in 16% of veterans.

Common Causes of Sleep Disorders in Veterans

• Heart Disease
• Genetic Factors
• Substance Abuse
• Asthma
• Mental Health Conditions – Depression, Anxiety, and PTSD

VA Disability Ratings for Sleep Apnea

There are three types of sleep apnea — Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), Central Sleep Apnea (CSA), and Mixed Sleep Apnea — with Obstructive Sleep Apnea being the most common. Sleep apnea occurs when muscles in the throat relax as you sleep and narrow or close the airway, causing the individual to repeatedly stop and start breathing. The most common symptoms of sleep apnea are snoring, early morning headaches, excessive fatigue during the day, difficulty concentrating, difficulty sleeping, and more. 

Veterans with diagnosed and service-connected sleep apnea are eligible for disability ratings of 0%, 30%, 50%, or 100% — that each possess different conditions. The most common VA disability ratings for sleep apnea are 30% and 50%.

• 0% Rating — You have a diagnosis of sleep apnea with minimal symptoms that do not require treatment.
• 30% Rating — Regular daytime fatigue due to poor quality sleep that impacts day-to-day activities.
• 50% Rating — A CPAP or similar device is needed to assist your breathing while you sleep.
• 100% Rating — Sleep apnea has caused severe health and heart conditions that may require surgery or serious treatment.

VA Disability Ratings for Insomnia    

Insomnia is defined as a sleep disorder that makes it difficult for individuals to fall asleep, stay asleep, or get the quality sleep that they need. There are two basic types of insomnia — Acute Insomnia (short-term) and Chronic Insomnia (long-term) — that are manifested by symptoms that include daytime fatigue, anxiety, depression, difficulty concentrating at school or work, and loss of memory. Veterans with diagnosed and service-connected insomnia may be eligible for a VA disability rating of 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, or 100% that each have different conditions.

• 0% Rating — You have a diagnosis of sleep apnea with minimal symptoms that do not require treatment.
• 10% Rating — Mild insomnia that can be treated with standard medications.
• 30% Rating — More severe insomnia that has resulted in impaired ability to work and mild memory loss.
• 50% Rating — Insomnia has led to impaired judgement and poor productivity at work.
• 70% Rating — Significant degree of occupational and social dysfunction at work, school, and home with symptoms that can include ritual activities, depression, anxiety, panic, and thoughts of suicide.
• 100% Rating — Total and complete social and occupational impairment.

READ MORE: VA Disability Ratings and Conditions for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)

Are you a veteran that struggles with a sleep disorder? You may be asking — what are VA disability ratings for sleep apnea and insomnia? We can help answer your questions right here at VA Benefits Attorneys. Contact us today for a FREE case review!