VA Loan Eligibility Guide

Q: Can I use a VA loan if I received an other-than-honorable discharge?

It depends. Some veterans with other-than-honorable discharges may still qualify if the VA determines service was under conditions other than dishonorable. A VA determination of eligibility may be needed.

Q: Do Guard and Reserve members qualify?

Yes, with 6 years of creditable service in the Guard or Reserves. Members who were activated for federal service for 90+ days may qualify sooner based on active-duty service requirements.

Program Overview

VA loan eligibility is based on military service history, duty status, and length of service. The VA home loan program is available to veterans, active-duty service members, members of the National Guard and Reserves with qualifying service, and certain surviving spouses. To use your VA benefit, you'll need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE), which Airus Lending can help you obtain — often in minutes.

Who Is This Loan For?

✓ Veterans with honorable discharge
✓ Active-duty service members
✓ National Guard and Reserve members with qualifying service
✓ Surviving spouses of veterans who died in service or from service-connected disability
✓ Anyone unsure about their VA eligibility status

Key Benefits

Service Requirements

Generally 90 consecutive days during wartime, 181 days during peacetime, or 6 years in the Guard/Reserves.

Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

Required for all VA loans. Airus Lending can pull your COE electronically — often approved same-day.

Surviving Spouse Eligibility

Un-remarried surviving spouses of veterans who died in service or from a service-connected disability may be eligible.

Entitlement Restoration

If you've used your VA benefit before, entitlement can often be restored when the previous loan is paid off.

Qualification at a Glance

General Requirements

Wartime service: 90 consecutive days of active duty
Peacetime service: 181 consecutive days of active duty
Gulf War era (1990-present): 24 continuous months or full period of call-up
National Guard/Reserves: 6 years of service or 90 days activated under federal orders
Surviving spouses: Unremarried spouse of veteran who died in service or from service-connected disability
Discharge must be under conditions other than dishonorable

Documents Typically Needed

DD-214 (Member 4 copy preferred)
NGB-22 for Guard/Reserve members
Statement of Service (active duty)
Death certificate and marriage certificate (surviving spouses)
VA Form 26-1880 (Request for COE)

How do I get a Certificate of Eligibility?

One option is to have Airus Lending request it electronically through the VA's Web LGY system, which can often verify eligibility quickly. You can also apply through eBenefits or by mail using VA Form 26-1880. Timing varies based on VA processing.

Can I use a VA loan if I received an other-than-honorable discharge?

Do Guard and Reserve members qualify?

Broker Disclosure: Scout Financial Group Inc DBA Airus Lending is a licensed mortgage broker (NMLS #2187418) and does not make loans or credit decisions. Airus Lending works with multiple wholesale lenders to help borrowers compare available loan options. Final approval depends on the lender, automated underwriting findings, documentation, state requirements, and overall borrower profile. Not all applicants will qualify.