Direct answer
Can I get SSDI for sleep apnea?
Yes — sleep apnea can qualify for SSDI when its complications — such as chronic heart failure, chronic pulmonary hypertension, or cognitive impairment — meet a Blue Book listing, since sleep apnea itself has no dedicated listing.
The SSA evaluates complications under the affected body-system listings (for example, 4.02 for heart failure, 3.09 for chronic pulmonary hypertension, 12.02 for neurocognitive disorders) and considers combined functional limits.
Sourced from ssa.gov — see citations below.
What listing applies?
There is no dedicated sleep-apnea listing; the SSA evaluates complications under body-system listings.
What evidence matters?
Sleep-study reports, CPAP or BiPAP compliance records, cardiac and pulmonary evaluations, and function reports covering fatigue and cognitive effects.
What if no complication meets a listing?
The SSA evaluates residual functional capacity — daytime somnolence, cognitive slowing, and safety limits can still rule out sustained work.
Topics
Sources
Every figure and rule on this page is drawn from official SSA publications. Verify at the links below.
- SSA — Listing of Impairments (Blue Book) (ssa.gov)
- SSA — Adult Listings 3.00 Respiratory (ssa.gov)