Published on: 6/12/2025
How is sleep apnea rated for disability benefits and what factors are considered?
Sleep apnea can affect work ability and may be considered for disability benefits. Factors like how severe the apnea is and how it affects daily life are important.
Explanation
Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing stops and starts during sleep. This can make people very tired during the day and affect their ability to work. Studies show that people with sleep apnea might miss more workdays even before they know they have the condition.
Factors Considered for Disability Benefits
- Severity of Sleep Apnea: How often breathing stops during sleep and how severe the symptoms are.
- Impact on Daily Life: How much sleep apnea affects the ability to do everyday tasks and work.
- Work Absence: People with sleep apnea might have more days off work, which can be a factor in disability claims.
- Other Health Issues: Sleep apnea can be linked to other health problems, which might also affect the ability to work.
Studies suggest that sleep apnea can lead to more lost workdays and may increase the chance of needing disability benefits. This is because it can make people feel very tired and less able to work effectively.
(References)
- Sjösten N, Kivimäki M, Oksanen T, Salo P, Saaresranta T, Virtanen M, et al. (2009). Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome as a predictor of work .... Respiratory medicine, 19246183.
- Sjösten N, Vahtera J, Salo P, Oksanen T, Saaresranta T, Virtanen M, et al. (2009). Increased risk of lost workdays prior to the diagnosis of .... Chest, 19318680.
- Rod NH, Kjeldgård L, Åkerstedt T, Ferrie JE, Salo P, Vahtera J, & Alexanderson K. (2017). Sleep Apnea, Disability Pensions, and Cause-Specific .... American journal of epidemiology, 28520881.
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