The VA denies sleep apnea every day — often saying it isn’t service-connected — while at the same time acknowledging it’s severe enough to require treatment. That contradiction usually isn’t about whether you have sleep apnea. It’s about missing medical linkage. Sleep apnea is commonly connected secondarily to conditions like PTSD, anxiety, weight changes from service-connected injuries, or respiratory issues — but only when a medical provider clearly explains how and why the connection exists.