VA Loan Network logo
  • Home
  • Apply Now
  • VA Loans
    • Programs
    • Today’s Rate
    • VA Guide
    • Refinance
    • Requirements
    • Benefits
    • State Guides
    • Calculator
  • Resources
    • Bases
    • Pay Center
    • BAH Rates
  • Learn
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Contact Us

The #1 Trusted Source for Veterans and Service Members

va loan network logo

SAME DAY APPROVAL

No Money Down, Low Interest Rates, No Mortgage Insurance

Check Your Eligibility

first lead form

"*" indicates required fields

Are you looking to purchase or refinance?
What is your goal?
Are you or your spouse retired or active military?
Active Military or Retired?
Are you receiving military retirement or VA Disability pay
Have you received PCS orders?
Where are you in the buying process?
Are you working with a real estate agent?
$350k - $400k
$0
$2m +
This field is hidden when viewing the form
This field is hidden when viewing the form
Is this the first use of your VA entitlement?
What is your credit score?
Do you currently have a home to sell?
Do you currently have a VA loan on your property?*
$350k-$400k
$0
$2m +
$200k - $250k
$0
$2m +
$100k -$120k
What is the rate on your loan ?

Enter your contact details

Name*

By providing your name, email, and phone number, you consent to receive calls and texts from our VA loan specialists and lenders regarding your application. Message and data rates may apply. Your information will be used solely for this purpose. You can opt out at any time.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

2025 VA Service Requirements

by Randall Yates | Feb 18, 2025 | VA Loans

2025 VA service requirements

A VA home loan is one of the most valuable benefits available to eligible service members, veterans, and qualifying spouses.

With no down payment, competitive interest rates, and no private mortgage insurance (PMI), it’s an excellent way to become a homeowner.

However, not everyone qualifies. To obtain a VA-backed mortgage, you must meet specific service requirements based on when and how you served.

Check VA Loan Rates and Get Pre-Approved

AI Logo Your Article Summary
Paragraph Bullet Points

In this Article

  • VA Loan Eligibility Calculator
  • Who is Eligible for a VA Loan?
  • General Service Requirements for VA Loan Eligibility
  • Why VA Loan Service Requirements Matter
  • Minimum Active-Duty Service Requirements for a VA Loan
  • Discharge Characterization and Its Impact on VA Loan Eligibility
  • Can I Get a VA Loan with an OTH Discharge?
  • VA Loan Eligibility for National Guard & Reserve Members
  • How National Guard & Reserve Members Qualify
  • How to Apply for a VA Home Loan Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
  • Ways to Get a COE:
  • Frequently Asked Questions

VA Loan Eligibility Calculator

Who is Eligible for a VA Loan?

To qualify for a VA loan, applicants must meet specific service and eligibility criteria established by the Department of Veterans Affairs. These requirements depend on length of service, duty status, and discharge conditions.

General Service Requirements for VA Loan Eligibility

  • 90 consecutive days of active duty during wartime.
  • 181 consecutive days of active duty during peacetime.
  • 6 years in the National Guard or Reserves, or 90 days under Title 32 orders (with at least 30 consecutive days served).
  • Veterans: Must have completed the required active-duty service and received a discharge other than dishonorable.
  • Active-duty service members: Currently serving personnel may qualify based on service duration.
  • National Guard & Reserve members: Eligible with six years of service or at least 90 days of active-duty service during wartime.
  • Surviving spouses: Spouses of service members who died in the line of duty or from a service-related injury may be eligible for VA loan benefits.

Why VA Loan Service Requirements Matter

The VA loan program exists to make homeownership more accessible to those who served in the military. However, not all veterans qualify automatically.

As the Department of Veterans Affairs states:
“To use VA home loan benefits, you must meet service requirements and obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE), confirming your qualification.”
(Source: VA Home Loan Eligibility)

By understanding VA loan service requirements, you’ll know if you qualify and how to apply for your COE, ensuring a smoother home-buying experience.


Minimum Active-Duty Service Requirements for a VA Loan

To qualify for a VA home loan, you must have served a minimum period of active duty. The length of service required depends on when you served:

Service PeriodMinimum Active-Duty Requirement
After August 2, 1990 (Gulf War – Present)24 continuous months OR at least 90 days if discharged for hardship, reduction in force, or service-connected disability.
Between September 8, 1980 – August 1, 199024 continuous months OR full period you were called to active duty (at least 181 days).
Between May 8, 1975 – September 7, 1980181 continuous days.
Between August 5, 1964 – May 7, 197590 total days (Vietnam War era).
Before August 5, 1964181 continuous days of service.

🔹 Exception: If you were discharged due to a service-connected disability, the time requirements may not apply.

For the full breakdown, visit the VA Home Loan Eligibility page.


Discharge Characterization and Its Impact on VA Loan Eligibility

Your discharge status can impact your VA loan eligibility.

  • Honorable Discharge → Eligible for full VA loan benefits.
  • General (Under Honorable Conditions) Discharge → Eligible for VA loans.
  • Other Than Honorable (OTH) Discharge → May require review by the VA to determine eligibility.
  • Bad Conduct (BCD) or Dishonorable Discharge → Typically not eligible for VA loans.

Can I Get a VA Loan with an OTH Discharge?

Yes, some veterans with an Other Than Honorable (OTH) discharge can still qualify. You can apply for a Character of Discharge review, where the VA assesses your service circumstances to determine if you qualify for a VA-backed mortgage.

🔹 Need a Discharge Upgrade? Learn more at VA Discharge Upgrade.


VA Loan Eligibility for National Guard & Reserve Members

If you served in the National Guard or Reserves, you must meet additional requirements to qualify for a VA home loan.

How National Guard & Reserve Members Qualify

Type of ServiceVA Loan Eligibility Criteria
Activated Under Title 10 OrdersEligible (90+ days of active service).
Title 32 Service (State Activation)Eligible ONLY IF you served at least 90 consecutive days, with 30 of those days being active-duty orders.
6 Years in Selected Reserves/National GuardEligible if honorably discharged, placed on the retired list, or transferred to Standby/Ready Reserve.

🔹 If you are unsure about your activation type, check your DD-214 or NGB-22 and confirm with a VA loan officer.

For more details, visit VA National Guard Benefits.


How to Apply for a VA Home Loan Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

Before getting a VA mortgage, you need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE), which proves you meet VA loan requirements.

Ways to Get a COE:

  1. Apply Online: Use the VA’s eBenefits portal.
  2. Through a Lender: Most VA-approved lenders can request it on your behalf.
  3. Mail a Paper Application: Submit VA Form 26-1880 to the VA Loan Eligibility Center.

The Bottom Line

VA loans provide zero down payment, competitive rates, and no PMI, making them an affordable path to homeownership. However, meeting VA service requirements is essential.

Whether you’re active-duty, retired, or a National Guard/Reserve member, knowing the eligibility rules, discharge requirements, and required service periods will ensure a smoother home-buying process.

To qualify, check your DD-214 or NGB-22, apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE), and work with a VA-approved lender. If you don’t qualify due to discharge status, consider a discharge upgrade. By understanding these requirements upfront, you’ll increase your chances of loan approval and homeownership success.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a VA loan with less than 90 days of service?
Possibly. If you were discharged for a service-connected disability, you may qualify even with fewer days of service. Always check with the VA or a lender to confirm.

Do I need perfect credit to qualify for a VA home loan?
No. The VA doesn’t set a minimum credit score, but most lenders require at least a 620 FICO score for approval.

Can surviving spouses qualify for a VA home loan?
Yes, certain surviving spouses qualify. Check the VA Surviving Spouse Home Loan Benefits page for eligibility criteria.

Are there VA loan limits?
No. As of 2020, VA loans no longer have loan limits for those with full entitlement. Your loan amount depends on your lender’s approval and affordability.

Can I get a VA loan if I had a bankruptcy or foreclosure?
Yes. Veterans may qualify for a VA loan after 2 years following a Chapter 7 bankruptcy or 12 months of on-time payments in a Chapter 13 case. For foreclosures, a 2-year waiting period typically applies.

Do VA loans require private mortgage insurance (PMI)?
No. One of the biggest advantages of VA loans is that they don’t require PMI, saving borrowers thousands of dollars over time.

Can I use a VA loan to buy investment property?
No. VA loans are intended for primary residences only. However, you can buy a multi-unit property (up to four units) if you live in one unit.

Can I have more than one VA loan at a time?
Yes. If you haven’t used your full entitlement, you may qualify for a second VA loan while still owning another VA-financed home.

Related Posts

Denied COE for VA home loan?Denied COE for VA home loan? What’s Next va loan requirements2025 VA Loan Requirements How Long Do I Need to Serve to Qualify for a VA Loan?How Long Do I Need to Serve to Qualify for a VA Loan? certificate of eligibility coeUnderstanding the VA Certificate of Eligibility Rent vs. Buy for Active-Duty Service MembersRent vs. Buy for Active-Duty Service Members: How VA Loans Shift the Equation va loansA Complete Veterans Guide to VA Loans

Latest Articles

  • VA Loan Inspection Requirements: The Ultimate 2025 Guide
    VA Loan Inspection Requirements: The Ultimate 2025 Guide
  • Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): Guide for Survivors
    Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): Guide for Survivors
  • Property Tax Exemptions for Surviving Veteran Spouses
    Property Tax Exemptions for Surviving Spouses of 100% Disabled Veterans
  • VA Loans on Memorial Day: Honoring Veterans’ Service
    VA Loans on Memorial Day: Honoring Veterans’ Service
  • 2025 Veterans can now pay buyer-broker fees on VA loans
    2025 Veterans can now pay buyer-broker fees on VA loans
  • 2025 VA Disability Payment Schedule
    2025 VA Disability Payment Schedule Released
  • Top Neighborhoods Near Lackland AFB for Military Families
    Top Neighborhoods Near Lackland AFB for Military Families
  • 2025 Veterans Pension Rates
    2025 Veterans Pension Rates
  • PTSD VA Ratings: Everything Veterans Need to Know
    How to Get a 100% PTSD VA Rating
  • va loans austin guide
    Best Places for Veterans to Live in Austin, Texas
  • best cities for veterans san antonio
    Top San Antonio Cities for Veterans
  • best neighborhoods in schertz, tx for Veterans
    Best Neighborhoods in Schertz, TX for Veterans
  • Proposed Changes to VA Disability Benefits in 2025
    Proposed Changes to VA Disability Benefits in 2025
  • VA Benefits Guide 2025 Released
    VA Benefits Guide 2025 Released: Everything You Need to Know

Our Latest Article

VA Loan Inspection Requirements: The Ultimate 2025 Guide

VA Loan Inspection Requirements: The Ultimate 2025 Guide

VA Loans

  • VA Loan Guide
  • VA Benefits
  • Credit Requirements
  • Loan Requirements
  • First-time Homebuyers
  • VA Loan Process
  • VA Certificate of Eligibility

About Us

    • Apply Now
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Legal Disclosures

 

Follow Us

  • Follow
  • Follow
  • Follow

Our Blog

  • Learn
  • VA Loans
  • Mortgage
  • Real Estate
  • Trends
  • Veteran Life
  • News
  • Credit

Copyright © 2025  VA Loan Network

3128 Napier Park, Suite 105 San Antonio, TX 78231 Phone: (800) 230-7201 Email: contact@valoannetwork.com

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Tumblr
  • Like