Claim Situation
A CPAP proves you have sleep apnea, not that service caused it
· Claim Situation
The situation
Many Veterans assume a VA-issued CPAP means the claim is won. Treatment and compensation are separate parts of VA.
Two VAs
- VHA treats you.
- VBA decides compensation.
- A CPAP from VHA doesn't concede service connection.
Build the missing legs
- Diagnosis: sleep study (in-lab or home).
- In-service event: snoring witnesses, records.
- Nexus opinion.
At the exam
- Describe life without the machine.
- Mention mask intolerance.
Rule changes
Proposed changes to sleep apnea ratings are not final until published. See proposed vs. final.
Related
Get free help
You never have to pay to file an initial VA claim. Free help: a VSO such as DAV, VFW or the American Legion, or a VA-accredited representative.
Educational only, not legal or medical advice. We are not VA-accredited. No one can promise an outcome; VA decides each claim on its own evidence. Rules and rates change; check the linked VA and eCFR sources.