Sleep Disorders:

Sleep disorders encompass a range of conditions that affect the quality, duration, or pattern of sleep. Veterans, like the general population, may experience various sleep-related issues that can impact their overall well-being. Common sleep disorders include insomnia, sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, and parasomnias. Sleep disorders can have various causes, including stress, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), physical injuries, and other health conditions. Veterans may be particularly susceptible to sleep disturbances due to the nature of military service.

Common Sleep Disorders:

  • Sleep Apnea: Most common, where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Types include Obstructive (OSA), Central (CSA), and Mixed.

  • Insomnia: Persistent difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early. Can be caused by other conditions like PTSD or chronic pain.

  • Narcolepsy: A neurological disorder causing excessive daytime sleepiness, sudden sleep attacks, and symptoms like cataplexy (sudden muscle weakness).

  • Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS): An uncomfortable urge to move your legs, especially at night, disrupting sleep.

  • Nightmares: Disturbing dreams that can be symptoms of conditions like PTSD.

Veterans seeking service connection for sleep disorders must establish a link between the condition and their military service. This may involve providing evidence of events, exposures, or conditions during service that contributed to the development of sleep disorders. Veterans with service-connected sleep disorders may be eligible for disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs. The severity of the condition is assessed, and a disability rating is assigned to determine the level of compensation and benefits. 

VA Disability Ratings for Sleep Disorders:

The VA rates sleep disorders based on their severity, impact on your life, and sometimes the need for treatment devices:

  • Sleep Apnea:

    • 0%: Diagnosis confirmed but without associated symptoms

    • 30%: Persistent daytime sleepiness

    • 50%: Requires use of a CPAP or similar breathing device

    • 100%: Requires additional oxygen or severe respiratory failure

  • Insomnia: Rated usually as part of an underlying condition causing the insomnia (like PTSD or anxiety)

  • Narcolepsy: Ratings range from 10% to 100% based on how much it affects your ability to work or function.

  • Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS): Usually rated as part of a neurological condition, or with sleep disruptions linked to other service-connected disabilities.

  • Nightmares: Rated as part of the severity of a mental health condition like PTSD.