How to Claim DVA Compensation for Sleep Apnoea

Sleep apnoea is increasingly common among Australian veterans, and DVA accepts claims for it. But it is one of the trickier conditions to connect to service because the SoP factors are narrow and the link between military service and sleep apnoea is rarely direct.

The condition is governed by SoP No. 41 of 2013 (RH) and SoP No. 69 of 2022 (BoP). Most veterans will be claiming obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA).

What DVA requires for diagnosis

DVA requires confirmation through a formal sleep study (polysomnography or home-based study) conducted or reviewed by a sleep physician or respiratory physician. You cannot claim based on symptoms alone. Get the sleep study done before lodging.

The SoP factors most relevant to veterans

Obesity: the most common pathway

Being obese (BMI 30+) at clinical onset is a factor for OSA. This is the pathway most veterans use because weight gain during and after service is extremely common.

The chain connection: accepted service injury (back, knees, shoulders) reduces ability to exercise → weight gain. Or accepted mental health condition treated with weight-gaining medications (antidepressants, antipsychotics). Result: BMI crosses 30, OSA develops.

Upper airway obstruction

Chronic obstruction or narrowing of the upper airway at clinical onset. Relevant for veterans with a deviated septum or structural damage from service-related trauma (broken nose in training, boxing, rugby during service).

Atypical antipsychotic medication (RH only)

Being treated daily with an atypical antipsychotic (quetiapine, olanzapine, risperidone) for an accepted condition for at least two months before onset. This is a standalone factor under the RH SoP — many veterans on these medications for PTSD or depression don’t realise it’s a direct pathway.

Long-acting opioids (central sleep apnoea)

For central sleep apnoea: taking long-acting opioids at 75 mg+ daily morphine equivalent (RH) or 120 mg+ (BoP) for at least two months. Directly relevant for veterans on high-dose opioids for accepted pain conditions.

Other factors

• Hypothyroidism at clinical onset (if itself service-connected).
• Heart failure at clinical onset.
• Central nervous system lesions including moderate-severe traumatic brain injury.
• Supine sleeping position for 6+ months (BoP only) — relevant for veterans with spinal conditions forcing back sleeping.
• Alcohol consumption of 30g+/day for 6+ months (worsening factor only).

The chain connection strategy

• Step 1: Identify your accepted DVA conditions.
• Step 2: Map the pathway — accepted condition → obesity/medication/opioids → sleep apnoea factor.
• Step 3: Get medical evidence supporting each link. A specialist opinion connecting the full chain is essential.
• Step 4: Lodge with the chain clearly documented. Don’t assume the delegate will connect the dots.

Evidence you need

• Sleep study result confirming diagnosis, type, and severity.
• BMI documentation at the time of diagnosis (if using obesity factor).
• Medical records showing the chain — medication records, rehabilitation records, GP notes on weight gain.
• Specialist opinion explicitly connecting sleep apnoea to the SoP factor and your accepted conditions.
• Summary of accepted DVA conditions and relevant medications.

Common mistakes

• Not getting a sleep study before lodging.
• Claiming without connecting to service — sleep apnoea has no direct physical exertion factors.
• Not documenting the chain with evidence at every link.
• Ignoring the atypical antipsychotic factor (RH only).
• Not claiming worsening when the condition predates the chain.

Frequently asked questions

Can I claim sleep apnoea through DVA?

Yes, but the connection is almost always indirect. Most claims run through the obesity factor, where weight gain from accepted conditions led to OSA.

Do I need a sleep study?

Yes. DVA requires a confirmed diagnosis from a sleep study. You cannot claim on symptoms alone.

How does the obesity connection work?

If accepted conditions contributed to weight gain (reduced capacity, pain medication, psychological medication side effects) and your BMI was 30+ when diagnosed, you can claim through the obesity factor with evidence at each link.

What if I’m on quetiapine or olanzapine for PTSD?

Under the RH SoP, being treated daily with an atypical antipsychotic for an accepted condition for 2+ months is a standalone factor. You may not need the obesity factor at all.

How much compensation for sleep apnoea?

Assessed under the respiratory body system in GARP M. Severity, treatment response, and functional impact affect the rating. Points contribute to your combined score.

Can I claim if I was already overweight before service?

Potentially. If your weight increased further during service and crossed BMI 30 due to service factors, the onset factor may apply. If you had mild OSA before that worsened, use the worsening factors.

Is sleep apnoea covered under PAMT?

No. Sleep apnoea is not on the PAMT list. You need an accepted liability claim before DVA funds treatment including CPAP equipment.