Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea Considered a Disability?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a disorder that causes repeated pauses in breathing during sleep, which significantly reduces oxygen levels in the body. This condition is not considered a disability in itself, but severe OSA may be considered a disability if symptoms or health complications limit your ability to work.

People with OSA typically have symptoms that disrupt their daily lives, including daytime sleepiness, headaches, and mood changes. This disease also leads to a higher risk of health problems such as high blood pressure, depression and heart disease.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) generally does not consider OSA a disability in itself. However, if a person has severe or untreated OSA, they may have one of the following chronic health conditions that may qualify as a disability.

Cardiovascular (heart) disease

OSA puts extra pressure on your heart and blood vessels. About half of people with OSA have high blood pressure. Sleep disorder can also trigger irregular heart rhythms and increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, or heart failure.

Not everyone with OSA has heart health problems. But for those who do, these complications can affect physical endurance, limit daily activities and make it more difficult to manage other health problems.

Depending on the severity and duration of symptoms, the SSA may consider chronic heart failure, heart disease, or an abnormal heart rhythm as disabilities.

Lung problems

Regular episodes of sleep apnea can damage lung function and increase the risk of pulmonary hypertension.

This disease is characterized by high blood pressure in the arteries in your lungs, making it harder for your heart to pump blood. Pulmonary hypertension can cause shortness of breath, increased fatigue, dizziness and chest pain. It is estimated that approximately 20% of people with OSA have pulmonary hypertension. If left untreated, it can eventually lead to heart failure.

In advanced cases, symptoms of pulmonary hypertension may limit your ability to perform physical tasks or participate safely in work or daily activities. In these cases, this can be considered a handicap.

Cognitive and mental health problems

Persistent or interrupted sleep can impair your memory or concentration. Many people with severe OSA also experience depression, anxiety, or chronic fatigue.

These symptoms of OSA often present problems for people at work, making it difficult to complete tasks and meet performance expectations.

Depending on severity and symptoms, the SSA may determine that depression, anxiety, chronic fatigue, and associated cognitive problems constitute disabilities.

Excessive daytime sleepiness

Even if OSA does not cause a separate health problem, you may still qualify for disability if you have symptoms that severely limit your ability to work or perform your tasks. Daytime sleepiness may be one of these symptoms, especially if it makes it very difficult:

• Stay alert, concentrate or follow instructions
• Maintain a consistent work schedule
• Perform physical tasks such as sitting, standing, walking, lifting or carrying
• Operate vehicles, machines or work safely in hazardous environments
• Communicate clearly and respond appropriately to colleagues or changes in the workplace

Strong medical documentation is required for disability claims, and the evidence needed differs depending on your specific health condition. If you apply for disability with AOS, the SSA will require:

• Proof of your impairment: To prove that you have OSA, you will need to submit the results of a sleep study (polysomnography), which measures breathing interruptions and oxygen levels while you sleep. You should also submit documentation of lung health concerns, cardiology evaluations, and/or neurological or mental health evaluations if you experience any of these OSA-related complications.
• Current health status: You must submit all documents related to your disability. This includes up-to-date information about OSA-related complications, how long you have had these health problems, and your ability to work.
• Severity and effect of symptoms: The SSA will use medical evidence as well as information from non-medical sources (such as family members or co-workers) to learn more about how your symptoms are affecting your ability to work. This may include the severity, duration and frequency of the pain or symptoms.
• Treatment history: The type and effectiveness of medications, therapies, or treatments you used to manage your OSA or other related health problems will be evaluated.
• Supporting medical evaluations: The SSA may request more information from your doctors or order a consultative examination if records are incomplete. This exam assesses physical and mental work abilities, including concentration, communication, mobility and environmental tolerance.

Treatment for OSA is very effective and can improve symptoms in many people. Common treatments include:

Treating OSA can reduce the risk of heart complications, pulmonary hypertension, and cognitive problems that might otherwise impact your ability to work. When evaluating disability claims, the SSA will consider whether your symptoms are improving with consistent treatments. However, you may still be eligible if ongoing limitations affect your ability to work.

If your OSA makes it difficult to work or contributes to serious health problems, such as heart disease, lung health problems, or mental health problems, you may be eligible for disability benefits. The SSA generally requires that the illness is serious and has lasted – or is expected to last – for at least 12 consecutive months.

Start by talking to your doctor about your symptoms and how they affect your ability to perform your tasks. Your doctor can help you document your condition, track treatment progress, and discuss treatment options that may improve your symptoms.