The Good “Secret” Change in VA Sleep Apnea Rules

In our last article, we let you in on a little-known change to the way VA sleep apnea claims are being decided.  In case you missed it, check it out here so you don’t fall victim to this newest tactic to deny VA sleep apnea claims.

Now, we want to give you some good news that VA is not likely to tell you about.  It expands the group of veterans who may qualify for higher VA sleep apnea disability compensation.

An official rule book
Here’s the latest change to the way VA awards a 50% rating for VA sleep apnea.
The All-Important 50% Disability Rating for VA Sleep Apnea Compensation

We will go through the various ratings that are possible for VA sleep apnea compensation in a later article.  For now, let’s focus on what you must prove to receive a 50% rating for VA sleep apnea since that is probably the most common rating assigned for this particular disability.

Despite most eligible veterans being rated at the 50% level, some veterans in the past have been denied a 50% evaluation because of the method they and their doctors chose to treat their particular form of sleep apnea syndrome.  If you have sleep apnea, you are probably aware that there are a number of different ways to treat this sleep disorder.

While CPAP machines are one of the most popular treatment methods for sleep apnea, many people have turned to some others that are less obtrusive or bothersome when sleeping.  One treatment that seems to be gaining among patients and their doctors is oral breathing devices that reposition the tongue or jaw while you sleep to improve airflow.  Nasal disks, also known as nasal expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP) devices, cover the nostril restricts the amount of air the patient can breath out but allows you to breathe in freely.  More radical approaches include surgery to remove tissue, reposition the jaw, implant serve stimulation devices, or even create a new air passageway.

So, Why Does It Matter How You and Your Doctor Decide to Treat Your VA Sleep Apnea?

A 50% VA sleep apnea rating “Requires use of breathing assistance device such as continuous airway pressure (CPAP) machine.”

Until recently, VA was prone to ignore two little words in the rating criteria.  Those two words were “such as.”  As a lawyer, I am trained to examine each word in a statute or rule and determine what it means.  So, I know the words “such as” are mean to signal that what follows is an example, but not necessarily the only example.  Unfortunately, those deciding VA claims, at least at the Regional Office level, do not have the benefit of legal training.  They skipped right over those two words and honed in on CPAP.

In other words, it was not good enough in VA’s eyes if you used a breathing assistance device.

The result – service-connected veterans who did not use a CPAP did not get a 50% rating for VA sleep apnea.  Those who did use a CPAP would receive 50% (assuming they were otherwise service-connected), even if their sleep apnea was not as bad as the veteran with a severe case but who elected another treatment option.

Many veterans did not know.  Perhaps even worse, a veteran was forced to choose between the best possible treatment option and the best possible rating.

So What Has Changed in VA Sleep Apnea Rules?

The rating criteria for a 50% evaluation have not changed.  It still says “Requires use of breathing assistance device such as continuous airway pressure (CPAP) machine.”

Remember in the article where we talked about M21-1MR, which is essentially VA’s playbook in how to decide your VA disability compensation claim?  VA has added a good reminder to its personnel that CPAP is not the only way to qualify for a 50% rating.

The manual now says:

On the question of what qualifies as a breathing assistance device, the DC lists a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine as an example.

Other qualifying breathing assistance devices include:

  • other positive airway pressure machines (automatic positive airway pressure device (APAP); bilevel positive airway pressure device (BiPAP)).
  • nasopharyngeal appliances (nasal dilators; nasopharyngeal stents)
  • oral appliances (mandibular advancement devices (MAD); tongue-retaining mouthpieces), and
  • implanted genioglossal nerve stimulation devices.

 Note:  Positive airway pressure machines may also be called non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) or non-invasive ventilation (NIV).

Two Parting Thoughts

First, it is important to remember that this good change is accompanied by the bad one.  That means whether you opt for a CPAP or another treatment alternative, you must have evidence of medical necessity.  My video below explains that change in more detail.

Second, while we are glad to see this “good” change that gives clear guidance how VA should decide VA sleep apnea claims, don’t be surprised if you receive a denial for a 50% rating because you are not using a CPAP.  The law has not changed.  Since they don’t always follow the black letter law, it remains to be seen if VA personnel will heed their own guidelines.

Travis Studdard is an attorney who focuses on representing veterans in VA disability compensation claims.  He regularly writes about issues that are important to veterans and their families.

You can subscribe to his Veterans Disability channel on YouTube.

Rita BarnesRita Barnes
00:03 20 Jan 22
This is a great group of people who really care about your well being. They all treated me as though I was family and helped me with my work comp case in more ways than the average would have.Thank you Jason and Thank you Tina! For doing an awesome job.
Cortex ButlerCortex Butler
18:09 29 Dec 21
I am a Veteran of United States Air Force and was awarded my first 30% in 1996 and have been fighting for my rating for 26 years I came to Perkins and Studdard in 2019 while my mom was in a terrible incident and was given to much anesthesia and through GODS Grace she was spared her life, She is disabled since 2018 and I have been struggling with my life and issues and yet I didn’t call the law firm every 10 minutes or call being rude anytime, I mentioned this as I got to know Jessica more than just a phone call and Mr Studdard was always available when not working on other cases or in court, They always called back and Never had to do a call back, My Review is Simple in Life there peaks and valleys and it doesn’t stop because you have issues, Perkins & Studdard took my case in 2019 in 2021 I received my 100% from VA, I Was Never Rude, I was Never Promised Success, I Was Never Lied too and I was Always Treated with Respect, Friendliness, and Kindness the Real Stuff not a (Money Thing) If You want a firm that Cares about the Client and will work on your case even through a pandemic, Will not lie, will not promise anything will communicate your case and will Give you their Best ALWAYS THIS IS THE Best Law Firm for VETS HANDS DOWN Perkins and Studdard THERE IS NO OTHER 100% we had 5 calls Total Case That’s Taking Care Of Business
annetteMomma nokesannetteMomma nokes
14:29 12 Sep 16
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Sheila KirklinSheila Kirklin
23:11 12 May 16
Jason Perkins, was my lawyer in a workers comp. case, my case has settled now, and I am very happy for all Jason and his office hard work on my case, he was always there to help me out with any questions that I had or help I needed. Jason is a excellent lawyer and if I ever need another one I would only go to Perkins,Because I believe they would be able to help me in any situation I am in need of..
Anna PabonAnna Pabon
23:16 13 Sep 15
I recommend Perkins Law Firm. Everyone I came in contact with there was very nice. Kim was very helpful and any time I had a question she made sure I got an answer. Ann Margaret really took the time to explain things to me.
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