The Department of Veterans Affairs assigns disability compensation based on the severity of a veteran’s service-connected medical condition. For sleep apnea, the rating directly corresponds to the treatment required and the level of functional impairment experienced. This condition, characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep, can qualify for disability benefits when linked to military service.
Understanding the disability percentage is vital for veterans seeking compensation. The assigned percentage dictates the amount of monthly payments received. Factors considered include the necessity of breathing assistance devices like CPAP machines, the presence of daytime hypersomnolence, and any related health complications stemming from the breathing disorder. The rating system aims to address both the medical and economic impacts of this health issue.