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Sleep Apnea: C&P Exam Prep

Obstructive, central or mixed sleep apnea.

This prep guide was generated with AI, so please also check the VA rating criteria (38 CFR Part 4) and the VA exam form (DBQ) for this condition.

← C&P Exam Prep Guide

Quick Must-Know

VA needs a sleep study that confirms the diagnosis. Make sure VA has your sleep study before the exam.
If a provider prescribed a CPAP or another breathing device, say so. The rating depends heavily on it.
Describe your daytime sleepiness: falling asleep at work, while driving or in the middle of a conversation.
Someone who has seen you stop breathing or gasp at night can write a statement (VA Form 21-10210).

Be accurate and complete

Describe your condition as it really is: on your worst days as well as on the day of the exam. Don't make it sound better than it is, and don't make it sound worse. The examiner writes down what you say, and VA compares it with your records.

The exam form

The examiner fills out VA's "Sleep Apnea" form (a Disability Benefits Questionnaire, or DBQ). See the form on VA.gov

Form version checked: Updated on 2024-07-19 (v24_1).

What the exam is for

The exam records your sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment: whether you need a breathing machine like a CPAP, and how sleep apnea affects you during the day.

What the examiner will ask and measure

A sleep study. VA's form says the diagnosis "must be confirmed by a sleep study." If you already had one and it reflects how you are now, a new one isn't required. The examiner records its date, where it was done (if known) and the results.
The type: obstructive, central or mixed.
How your sleep apnea started and changed.
Whether you take medicine every day for a sleep problem.
Whether you need a breathing device such as a CPAP machine.
Symptoms and findings: daytime sleepiness that doesn't go away, and serious problems such as carbon dioxide build-up, chronic breathing failure, heart strain from lung disease, or a breathing tube (tracheostomy).
How sleep apnea affects your work.

Be ready to describe

When symptoms started, such as snoring, gasping or stopping breathing during sleep, and who noticed. A statement from a spouse, roommate or someone you served with (on VA Form 21-10210) can help.
The date and place of your sleep study.
Whether a provider prescribed a CPAP or other device, and how you use it.
Daytime sleepiness: falling asleep at work, while driving, or during conversations.
Medicines and side effects.

Common mistakes

Going to the exam without a sleep study on file. Send VA your sleep study results before the exam if they aren't already in your records.
Not mentioning that a provider prescribed your CPAP.
Not describing daytime effects, such as falling asleep at work or behind the wheel.

How VA rates it

VA rates sleep apnea mostly on your symptoms and treatment. VA proposed changing how it rates sleep apnea in February 2022 (87 FR 8474). As of October 2026 that change isn't final, so the current rule still applies.

In plain English

0%: A sleep study shows sleep-disordered breathing, but you have no symptoms.
30%: Daytime sleepiness that doesn't go away (persistent daytime hypersomnolence).
50%: You need a breathing device, such as a CPAP machine.
100%: Chronic breathing failure with carbon dioxide build-up, or heart strain from lung disease (cor pulmonale), or you need a breathing tube in your throat (tracheostomy).

The regulation, word for word

Quoted from 38 CFR Part 4 (current as of October 16, 2026). This is what VA applies. The plain-English version above is our summary of it.

38 CFR 4.97, diagnostic code 6847: Sleep Apnea Syndromes (Obstructive, Central, Mixed) Open in the Rating Criteria Lookup

Criteria	Rating
6847 Sleep Apnea Syndromes (Obstructive, Central, Mixed):
Chronic respiratory failure with carbon dioxide retention or cor pulmonale, or; requires tracheostomy	100
Requires use of breathing assistance device such as continuous airway pressure (CPAP) machine	50
Persistent day-time hypersomnolence	30
Asymptomatic but with documented sleep disorder breathing	0

Ask VA for a copy of your exam report (VA Form 20-10206)

About every C&P exam

What is it?

After you file a claim, VA may ask you to have a claim exam, also called a compensation and pension (C&P) exam. It helps VA decide whether your condition is connected to your service, and how severe it is. It isn't treatment: the examiner won't treat you, prescribe medicine or refer you to anyone.

Who does it?

A VA provider or a provider from one of VA's exam contractors (Loyal Source, OptumServe, QTC or VES). VA picks; you can't choose. Hearing, mental health, eye and dental exams are done by specialists. For a reproductive, breast, rectal or mental health exam, or a claim related to military sexual trauma, you can ask for a male or female examiner.

How long does it take?

VA says anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour or more, depending on what you claimed. Some exams are by phone or video. If you claimed more than one condition, VA tries to schedule them on the same day.

Does the examiner decide my claim?

No. The examiner writes a report on a standard form (a Disability Benefits Questionnaire, or DBQ) and sends it to VA. VA decides your claim using all the evidence: the report, your medical and service records, and statements from you and others. The examiner can't tell you the results or answer questions about your claim.

Does everyone get one?

No. If your records already have what VA needs, VA can decide from the records alone (VA calls this Acceptable Clinical Evidence, or ACE).

What if I can't make it?

Call the number on your appointment letter at least 48 hours ahead to reschedule. Missing an exam delays your claim. VA may decide your claim on the evidence it already has, and some claims, such as a claim for an increase, are denied (38 CFR 3.655). If you had a good reason, such as being in the hospital or a death in your family, tell VA and ask for a new exam.

What should I bring?

VA says you don't need to bring anything. Send any new medical records to VA before the exam, because the examiner can't send them in for you. Arrive 15 minutes early and wear clothes you can move in. Many veterans find it helps to bring a short list of their symptoms, medicines and side effects, and key dates, so nothing is forgotten.

Can someone come with me?

You can ask the examiner. They may ask family members or caregivers to wait outside. For a sensitive physical exam, you can ask for a chaperone in the room.

Can I get a copy of the report?

Yes. Ask VA with a Freedom of Information Act or Privacy Act request (VA Form 20-10206). VetEZ Claim can help you fill it out and send it.

Can my own doctor fill out the form instead?

For many conditions, yes. VA publishes the exam forms (DBQs) your own doctor can fill out and you can send in. VA doesn't pay for this. A few exam forms are for VA's own examiners.

Checked against VA's forms and rules on October 16, 2026. General information only, not medical or legal advice about your claim. VA decides every claim.

File with VetEZ Claim

VetEZ Claim is free, from VetClaims Alliance, a nonprofit. Start with an Intent to File (VA Form 21-0966), then file your claim (VA Form 21-526EZ). You review, sign and send each form yourself.

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