Sleep Apnoea

This guide covers what DVA looks for when assessing this condition, including the relevant Statement of Principles factors, the evidence you should gather, and common preparation tips. Expand each section for more detail.

You are reviewing the condition-specific guidance to understand what evidence and preparation DVA expects.

DiseaseVETS Act 2026

Sleep apnoea is a condition where your breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. The most common form is obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), where the throat muscles relax and block the airway. Central sleep apnoea (CSA) is less common and occurs when the brain does not send the right signals to control breathing during sleep. DVA uses a single Statement of Principles covering all types — obstructive, central, and mixed. This guide covers all three. SoP 68 and 69 of 2022. Note: sleep apnoea is different from snoring alone. Diagnosis usually requires a formal sleep study (polysomnography or home sleep test) — this is critical evidence for your claim.

DVA uses Statements of Principles () from the Repatriation Medical Authority to determine whether a condition can be linked to service. For Sleep Apnoea, DVA generally considers the following factors:

Being obese (BMI of 30 or greater) at the time the condition started — this is the strongest factor for obstructive sleep apnoea
Having chronic obstruction of the upper airways — for example, enlarged tonsils, nasal obstruction, or structural narrowing of the throat
Having hypothyroidism at the time the condition started or worsened
Having acromegaly at the time the condition started or worsened
Having congestive cardiac failure at the time the condition started or worsened
Having end-stage renal failure at the time the condition started or worsened
Taking a long-acting opioid at a high dose for at least two months before the condition started — this applies specifically to central sleep apnoea
Having a disease of the cervical cord, brainstem, cerebrum, or extrapyramidal system — this applies specifically to central sleep apnoea
Consuming alcohol at a specified level for at least six months before the condition worsened
Worsening: not being able to get appropriate treatment before the condition worsened

Reference: SoP No. 68 of 2022 (Reasonable Hypothesis) / SoP No. 69 of 2022 (Balance of Probabilities). RH applies to operational/warlike service; BoP applies to peacetime service. Verify at rma.gov.au.Source: rma.gov.au — verify this directly with DVA for your circumstances.

DVA uses two different standards of proof depending on your type of service. Understanding which applies to you can help you prepare your evidence.

Reasonable Hypothesis (RH)Applies to: operational, warlike, or non-warlike serviceUnder the Reasonable Hypothesis standard (operational/warlike/non-warlike service), DVA generally considers that a recognised SoP factor — such as obesity, upper airway obstruction, hypothyroidism, or opioid use — connected to service is sufficient to raise a reasonable hypothesis.

Balance of Probabilities (BoP)Applies to: peacetime serviceUnder the Balance of Probabilities standard (peacetime service), DVA generally considers that the veteran must show it is more likely than not that the sleep apnoea was caused by a recognised SoP factor connected to service.

In plain EnglishIf you had operational or warlike service, the Reasonable Hypothesis (RH) standard applies — this is a lower threshold. If your service was peacetime only, the stricter Balance of Probabilities (BoP) standard applies. SoP instruments are updated periodically by the RMA. Always verify the current instrument at rma.gov.au/sops.

Benefit of the doubt: DVA is legally required to give you the benefit of the doubt if evidence is evenly balanced (s119 , s335 ). Learn more

DVA generally considers the standard of proof based on your service type. Verify this directly with DVA or a qualified advocate.

Required

Clinical diagnosis of sleep apnoeaA diagnosis from your GP or sleep specialist confirming sleep apnoea. This almost always requires a formal sleep study showing repeated breathing interruptions during sleep.How to get it: See your GP and describe your symptoms — snoring, gasping during sleep, daytime tiredness, waking unrefreshed. Ask for a referral for a sleep study.Estimated time: 4-8 weeks

Sleep study report (polysomnography or home sleep test)The sleep study report is critical evidence. It measures your breathing, oxygen levels, and sleep quality, and provides the apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI) that confirms the diagnosis and severity.How to get it: Your GP or sleep specialist will refer you to a sleep clinic or provide a home sleep test kit. Keep the full report — DVA needs to see the results.Estimated time: 2-6 weeks

Medical nexus report linking sleep apnoea to serviceA written opinion from your doctor explaining how your sleep apnoea is linked to your service — for example, weight gain during service, medication use for a service-related condition, or another recognised SoP factor.How to get it: Ask your treating doctor: "Can you provide a written statement linking my sleep apnoea to a factor connected to my military service — such as weight gain, medication use, or another service-related condition?"Estimated time: 2-4 weeks

Evidence of weight gain during or after serviceMedical records, Defence health assessments, or other records showing your weight or BMI at enlistment, during service, and after discharge. Weight gain leading to obesity (BMI 30+) is the strongest factor for obstructive sleep apnoea.How to get it: Request your Defence medical records. GP records showing weight over time are also helpful.

Records of medication use for a service-related conditionIf you take opioid pain medication or sedating medication for an accepted condition (such as PTSD or chronic pain), records showing this treatment can support a link to central sleep apnoea.How to get it: Ask your GP or pharmacist for a medication history. Include the medication name, dose, and how long you have been taking it.

Personal statement describing symptoms and service linkYour own written account of when you first noticed sleep apnoea symptoms, what service-related factors may have contributed (weight gain, medication, alcohol), and how the condition affects your daily life.How to get it: Write this yourself in plain language. Describe when symptoms started, what your partner or family has observed, and the impact on your health and daily functioning.

Statement from partner or family memberA statement from someone who sleeps near you or has observed your symptoms — snoring, gasping, choking, or stopping breathing during sleep. This supports the history of your condition.How to get it: Ask your partner or a family member to write a short statement describing what they have observed during your sleep.

Tips for this condition

A formal sleep study is almost always required to confirm the diagnosis — if you have not had one, arrange this before lodging your claim
The most common service-connection pathway is weight gain during or after service leading to obesity (BMI 30+) — document your weight history clearly
If your sleep apnoea developed after you started taking medication for an accepted condition (such as opioids for pain or sedatives for PTSD), this can support a secondary claim
If you also have an accepted mental health condition and your sleep apnoea is linked to medication or weight gain from that condition, mention this connection in your statement
DVA uses one SoP for all types of sleep apnoea — you do not need to determine the subtype yourself, but your sleep study report will usually classify it

Medical nexus statement (from your doctor)

A medical opinion linking your sleep apnoea to a service-related factor — most commonly obesity from weight gain during service, or medication use for an accepted condition.

What to ask your doctor

I am making a DVA claim for sleep apnoea. My weight increased significantly during service due to [injury limiting exercise / deployment conditions / medication side effects]. Could you write a report linking my sleep apnoea to this service-related weight gain?

Personal statement (your own words)

Describe when symptoms started, what service-related factors contributed to your sleep apnoea (weight gain, medication, alcohol), and how the condition affects your daily life.

Suggested structure

When you first noticed symptoms — snoring, gasping during sleep, daytime tiredness, waking unrefreshed
What your partner or family has observed about your breathing during sleep
Your weight history — weight at enlistment, during service, and now
What service-related factors contributed to weight gain — injury, reduced activity, medication, diet on deployment
Any medication you take for service-related conditions that may affect your sleep
The impact of sleep apnoea on your daily life — tiredness, concentration, driving safety, mood, work
Whether you use a CPAP machine and how it affects your quality of life

Common mistakes to avoid

✗Not explaining the service link to weight gain
✗Not mentioning medication use for accepted conditions
✗Not having a sleep study before lodging

Mistakes veterans commonly make when claiming for Sleep Apnoea, and how to avoid them.

Not having a formal sleep study before lodgingArrange a sleep study through your GP or sleep specialist before lodging. Keep the full report showing your apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI) and oxygen levels.

Not documenting the link between service and weight gainGather records showing your weight at enlistment versus now. Explain in your statement what service-related factors contributed to weight gain — reduced activity from injury, medication side effects, deployment conditions.

Not mentioning medication use as a contributing factorList all current medications, especially opioids, benzodiazepines, and sedatives. Note which ones are prescribed for service-related conditions.

Assuming snoring alone is enough for a diagnosisSee your GP and ask for a referral for a sleep study. The study will determine whether your snoring is associated with actual breathing interruptions.

Treatments DVA may cover

CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine — the most common treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea
Dental or oral appliances for mild-to-moderate cases
Weight management programs and dietitian support
Surgery for upper airway obstruction if appropriate (tonsillectomy, jaw surgery)
Sleep specialist follow-up and repeat sleep studies to monitor treatment
Treatment for underlying conditions contributing to sleep apnoea (hypothyroidism, cardiac failure)

Next steps to consider

If your sleep apnoea is stable and you have ongoing impairment (such as CPAP dependence), consider a Permanent Impairment claim
If sleep apnoea has affected your ability to work (daytime tiredness, concentration), check eligibility for Incapacity Payments
Consider claiming related conditions — for example, depression or anxiety if chronic sleep disruption has affected your mental health
If your sleep apnoea is linked to weight gain from medication for an accepted condition, ensure the connection is documented for any future claims

Actual entitlements depend on individual DVA assessment. This is indicative only.

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Official + GuidanceVerified March 2026

This page combines official DVA information with platform-authored guidance. Official sources are cited where applicable.

SoP factors sourced from RMA. Guidance text explains official processes in plain language.

RMA — Statements of Principles

This is a guide onlyThis information is a free guide. It is not legal advice, medical advice, or financial advice. Always verify with DVA directly or with a qualified advocate before lodging a claim.

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Sleep Apnoea

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