Is Sleep Apnea Considered a Disability?

According to one estimate, more than 20 million people in the U.S. have sleep apnea. If you are among them, you may be all too familiar with the consequences of this condition. In addition to feeling exhausted all the time, you are also at an increased risk of numerous health problems. But is sleep apnea actually considered a disability? If you have it, are you eligible for government disability benefits? This blog post shares what you should know.

Sleep Apnea: The Basics

Sleep apnea is a disorder that causes repeated pauses in breathing during sleep. The most common form of this condition, known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), happens when tissues in the throat block the free flow of air.

OSA has different levels of severity. Mild OSA may make you feel tired and come with a slight increase of various health risks. As OSA worsens, its symptoms can become more and more impactful. Individuals with a severe case of this sleep disorder may find it borderline impossible to function normally.

Can You Claim Disability with OSA?

In some cases, individuals with severe OSA may be able to file a successful disability claim with the Social Security Administration (SSA). However, the criteria for disability benefits are pretty strict. You will need:

• An official diagnosis. You should undergo a sleep test that establishes the fact that you have OSA. It should also show that your condition is severe.
• Documentation of health issues related to OSA. OSA may affect your heart health, your mental health, and other aspects of your life. You may need to visit various medical experts and get a detailed report explaining how such issues are affecting you and how they are related to OSA.
• Documentation of treatment. You should be able to establish that you have made all reasonable efforts to manage your sleep disorder. You may need to provide proof that you have used a CPAP machine and/or an oral appliance from a dentist. You can also note any challenges with these methods.

There is no guarantee that a disability claim will be approved, but if your OSA is having a significant impact on your ability to function normally, there is a chance that you will be deemed eligible for benefits.

OSA can be debilitating! Talk to a qualified medical professional to learn more about this condition and strategies for managing it.

Meet the Practice

Drs. Kenneth Mogell and Yitta Garden are the experienced sleep dentists in our practice. They specialize in providing oral appliance therapy for individuals with OSA. Under their guidance, our team has helped countless patients, including those with severe sleep disorders. If you have questions about OSA or potential options for managing it, we would be pleased to speak with you. Contact any of our locations or call our Vero Beach office at 772-882-6800.