VA Disability Ratings For Sleep Disorders And Insomnia

Sleep is essential to physical, emotional, and cognitive health. Yet for many Veterans, restful sleep becomes elusive after service. Whether caused by physical injury, mental health conditions, or environmental stressors from military life, sleep disorders are a serious and often overlooked consequence of service. When these conditions are disabling, Veterans may be entitled to VA compensation—but navigating the system isn’t always straightforward.

Veterans Law Group focuses exclusively on VA disability appeals. We help Veterans whose sleep-related claims have been denied, underrated, or misunderstood. This article explains how the VA evaluates sleep disorders, why claims are often denied, and what Veterans can do to secure the benefits they’ve earned.

Understanding Sleep Disorders in Veterans

Sleep disorders affect how a person sleeps, how long they stay asleep, or the quality of rest they get. While everyone experiences occasional sleep problems, chronic conditions that interfere with health and daily functioning may qualify for VA disability compensation—especially when connected to military service.

Common Sleep Disorders Among Veterans

• Insomnia Disorder: Persistent trouble falling or staying asleep, often linked to anxiety, depression, PTSD, or chronic pain.
• Sleep Apnea (Obstructive, Central, or Mixed): A condition where breathing repeatedly stops during sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea is most common and frequently requires a CPAP machine.
• Parasomnias: Abnormal behaviors during sleep, including nightmares, sleepwalking, or night terrors—commonly seen in Veterans with PTSD.
• Circadian Rhythm Disorders: Disruptions in the body’s internal clock, often due to shift work or irregular sleep cycles during deployment.
• Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS): An uncontrollable urge to move the legs, particularly at night, which can interfere with sleep.

Many of these conditions are either directly service-connected or develop secondarily to other conditions, such as PTSD, traumatic brain injury (TBI), chronic pain, or medication side effects.

Can You Get VA Disability for Sleep Disorders?

Yes—but the path to approval depends on how the condition is diagnosed, documented, and connected to service. The VA does not offer a general rating for “poor sleep.” Instead, Veterans must have a diagnosed sleep disorder and show that it is either:

Directly Service-Connected

The condition began during service or was caused by an event or exposure in service (e.g., PTSD triggering chronic insomnia). This might include disrupted sleep patterns due to combat stress, exposure to environmental hazards, or injuries sustained in service. For example, a Veteran who developed insomnia after surviving an IED blast may have a direct service connection if symptoms began shortly after the event and persisted.

Secondarily Service-Connected

The condition developed as a result of another service-connected disability (e.g., insomnia caused by chronic back pain or depression). In these cases, the Veteran must establish that the sleep disorder is a consequence of or worsened by an existing service-connected condition. This is common with mental health disorders, migraines, or orthopedic injuries that interfere with rest.

Aggravated by Service-Connected Disability

The condition existed before service but was worsened by military service or another service-connected condition. Veterans must provide evidence showing the baseline level of the condition before service and how it has measurably worsened due to service-connected factors.

Sleep claims without a formal diagnosis—such as medical records, sleep study results, or specialist evaluations—are often denied. Veterans should seek proper evaluation from a qualified provider and document how the condition impairs daily life and occupational functioning. A well-supported medical nexus is also critical, especially when filing secondary or aggravation-based claims.

How the VA Rates Sleep Disorders

The VA uses the Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) to evaluate sleep conditions. Ratings depend on the type of disorder and how severely it impairs functioning.

Sleep Apnea Ratings

Sleep apnea has its own diagnostic code (6847). Common ratings include:

• 0%: Diagnosed condition, but symptoms are not severe enough to interfere with functioning or require treatment.
• 30%: Persistent daytime sleepiness due to the condition.
• 50%: Requires use of a CPAP machine.
• 100%: Chronic respiratory failure or need for tracheostomy due to sleep apnea.

Insomnia and Other Sleep Disorders

Insomnia is typically rated under a mental health code (Diagnostic Code 9400 for anxiety or 9435 for unspecified sleep disorder), especially when it coexists with PTSD, depression, or TBI. Ratings may be:

• 10%: Mild symptoms controlled by medication.
• 30%: Occasional decrease in work efficiency.
• 50%: Reduced reliability and productivity.
• 70%: Deficiencies in most areas—work, thinking, mood.
• 100%: Total occupational and social impairment.

The VA evaluates these conditions based on how they affect occupational and social functioning—not just the presence of symptoms.

Why VA Claims for Sleep Disorders Are Denied

Sleep disorder claims—especially those for insomnia—are frequently denied, even when the condition is severe. Common reasons include:

No Formal Diagnosis

A claim for “trouble sleeping” without a medical diagnosis won’t be approved. Veterans must undergo sleep studies or evaluations by qualified providers to receive a formal diagnosis like insomnia, sleep apnea, or parasomnia.

Lack of Nexus to Service

Even with a diagnosis, Veterans must prove that the condition is linked to service. If the claim lacks a clear nexus—or if the VA examiner says it’s less likely than not related to service—the claim may be denied.

Incomplete Medical Evidence

Missing sleep study results, inconsistent provider notes, or vague symptom descriptions can lead to denials or low ratings. Many records focus on physical symptoms without addressing how sleep disorders impact functioning.

CPAP Machine Use Not Documented

For sleep apnea, a 50% rating hinges on CPAP usage. If a machine is not prescribed or its use is not clearly documented in the file, the VA may assign a lower rating or deny the claim altogether.

The Impact of Sleep Disorders on Veterans’ Lives

Sleep disorders don’t just make Veterans tired—they can profoundly disrupt every aspect of life, from physical health to emotional well-being and daily functioning. The effects are often cumulative and compounding, creating a cycle that is difficult to break without medical and legal intervention.

Cognitive Impairments

Chronic sleep deprivation impairs the brain’s ability to process information, store memories, and stay focused. Veterans with untreated sleep disorders often report difficulties with short-term memory, concentration, and decision-making. These impairments can affect everything from managing household tasks to safely operating a vehicle or handling workplace responsibilities.

Mental Health Decline

Sleep and mental health are deeply interconnected. Insomnia, nightmares, and fragmented sleep can exacerbate underlying conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Lack of restorative rest can intensify intrusive thoughts, emotional instability, and feelings of hopelessness. For some Veterans, worsening sleep patterns are a key sign that their mental health is declining.

Physical Health Deterioration

Poor sleep isn’t just a mental health issue—it’s a physical one, too. Veterans with chronic sleep disorders are at increased risk for Hypertension, Heart Disease, Migraines, GERD, Chronic Sinusitis, Type 2 Diabetes, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Sleep loss also weakens the immune system and may slow recovery from injury or illness. Over time, the toll on physical health can be life-threatening.

Relationship Strain

The effects of sleep disorders are often felt at home. Veterans may experience mood swings, irritability, or emotional withdrawal due to chronic exhaustion. These changes can place a strain on marriages, parenting, and social connections. Family members may also suffer from disrupted sleep patterns or stress as caregivers.

Work Instability

A Veteran struggling with a sleep disorder may find it difficult to maintain employment. Excessive daytime sleepiness, poor concentration, and chronic fatigue can lead to missed workdays, reduced productivity, or job loss. Some may only be able to tolerate part-time or low-stress positions, making it difficult to earn a stable income.

The invisible nature of sleep disorders means others may not fully grasp their severity. Yet the impact is very real—and when left untreated or unrecognized by the VA, it can have devastating consequences. That’s why detailed medical records and strong legal representation are so important when appealing a denied or underrated claim.

The Burden of Appealing a Denied Sleep Disorder Claim

Filing a VA appeal for a sleep disorder can be time-consuming and frustrating—especially for Veterans already dealing with health and financial stress. A successful appeal often requires:

Identifying the Reason for Denial

This involves reviewing the VA decision letter and any Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam notes to determine whether the claim was denied due to lack of nexus, insufficient evidence, or improper diagnostic coding. Understanding the specific reason for denial is the foundation of building a targeted and effective appeal.

Obtaining Sleep Study Results and Medical Diagnoses

Without a recent sleep study or clear diagnosis, the appeal may fail. Veterans often need to request records from private sleep clinics or ask VA providers to clarify their findings.Ensuring the diagnosis aligns with VA rating criteria can significantly improve the chances of success.

Connecting the Condition to Service

Veterans must demonstrate how military service caused or aggravated the condition. This may include exposure to trauma, noise, toxins, or prolonged stress—and how those factors relate to the sleep disorder today. This connection must be clearly supported by both medical documentation and credible lay evidence when applicable.

Securing a Nexus Letter

A well-written nexus letter from a medical expert can be the turning point in a sleep disorder claim. The letter should state that the Veteran’s sleep condition is “at least as likely as not” caused by or related to military service (or another service-connected condition). It must also include a sound medical rationale and reference any relevant studies or clinical experience.

Meeting Deadlines and Filing the Right Forms

Veterans must appeal within a set timeframe—typically one year from the denial—and choose the correct appeal path (supplemental claim, higher-level review, or Board of Veterans’ Appeals). Missing deadlines can cause significant delays or loss of back pay. Properly filing the appeal not only preserves benefits but keeps the claim moving forward without unnecessary setbacks.

How a VA Disability Lawyer Can Help

Legal representation can make a substantial difference when appealing a denied or underrated claim for a sleep disorder. Because sleep-related claims often involve secondary conditions, overlapping symptoms, or subjective reports, the VA may undervalue or overlook key evidence. Veterans Law Group provides focused, personalized support throughout the entire appeals process to help ensure no detail is missed.

Reviewing the Denial for Legal or Procedural Errors

Our attorneys begin by thoroughly analyzing the VA’s decision letter to pinpoint any missteps. This includes checking whether the VA ignored favorable evidence, used the wrong diagnostic code, or failed to evaluate the claim under secondary service connection rules. Identifying these errors early provides a roadmap for building a stronger appeal.

Coordinating Nexus Letters and Medical Opinions

We help Veterans obtain compelling medical statements from qualified specialists—particularly in sleep medicine, psychiatry, and pain management. These nexus letters must be written in a way that clearly explains how the sleep disorder is connected to service or to another service-connected condition, using VA-appropriate language and rationale.

Building a Secondary Service Connection Case

Many sleep disorders stem from PTSD, depression, chronic pain, or TBI. We gather medical records, psychological evaluations, and lay statements to prove how the service-connected condition caused or worsened the sleep disorder. We also explain how those relationships satisfy the VA’s criteria for secondary service connection.

Appealing for a Higher Rating or TDIU

If the Veteran’s sleep disorder significantly limits daily function or work capacity, we pursue a higher rating that reflects its true impact. For Veterans who can no longer maintain gainful employment, we develop the case for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU), helping secure compensation at the 100% level.

Managing All Appeal Deadlines and Forms

From filing the Notice of Disagreement to preparing evidence for hearings before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals, our legal team manages all timelines and documentation. This ensures every procedural requirement is met—so Veterans can focus on their health and well-being while we fight for the benefits they’ve earned.