Not everyone who has served automatically qualifies for a VA loan. Eligibility depends on your service history, discharge status, and type of service. Here’s a clear breakdown of who qualifies and what’s required.
Veterans and Active-Duty Service Requirements
| Era / Status | Minimum Service Required |
|---|---|
| Currently on active duty | 90 continuous days |
| WWII (Sept. 16, 1940 – July 25, 1947) | 90 total days |
| Korean War (June 27, 1950 – Jan. 31, 1955) | 90 total days |
| Vietnam Era (Aug. 5, 1964 – May 7, 1975) | 90 total days |
| Post-Vietnam (May 8, 1975 – Sept. 7, 1980) | 181 continuous days |
| Gulf War Era (Aug. 2, 1990 – present) | 24 continuous months, or full period called to duty (min. 90 days) |
| Enlisted after Sept. 7, 1980 / Officer after Oct. 16, 1981 | 24 continuous months, or full period (min. 90 days wartime / 181 peacetime) |
Character of discharge matters. You must have been discharged under other than dishonorable conditions. Cases involving other than honorable discharges require further VA review but do not automatically mean disqualification.
National Guard and Reserve Members
- Active duty orders (Title 10): At least 90 days of non-training active-duty service qualifies the same as a regular veteran.
- 6-year service path: Complete 6 creditable years in the Selected Reserve or National Guard with an honorable discharge, retirement, or transfer to the Standby Reserve. Inactive Ready Reserve (IRR) time does not count.
Eligible Surviving Spouses
- Unremarried surviving spouse of a veteran who died in service or from a service-connected disability
- Surviving spouse who remarries on or after age 57 and on or after December 16, 2003
- Spouse of an active-duty member listed as MIA or POW for at least 90 days (one-time use only)
- Surviving spouse receiving Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
Credit and Income — Also Required
Military eligibility is the first step — but you also need to meet the lender’s credit and income standards. Most lenders require at least a 580 FICO for standard VA loans. Income must also satisfy the debt-to-income ratio and VA’s residual income requirement.
Not Sure If You Qualify?
The best first step is to request your Certificate of Eligibility. At Lendia, we pull it electronically in minutes. Contact us for a free consultation.