Change Date

September15, 2004, Change 4

49.  ·  This section has been changed to create subsection lettering.

50.  ·  Subsection c has been changed to delete information pertaining to expiration of Reserve/Guard eligibility based on the Veterans Benefits Act of 2003. Additionally, “been honorably discharged” was changed to “received an Honorable discharge.”

a. General Rule for Eligibility

A veteran is eligible for VA home loan benefits if he or she served on active duty in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard after September 15, 1940, and was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable after either

51.                ·   90 days or more, any part of which occurred during wartime, or

52.                ·   181 continuous days or more (peacetime).

2 Year Requirement:  A greater length of service is required for veterans who

53.                ·   enlisted (and service began) after September 7, 1980, or

54.                ·   entered service as an officer after October 16, 1981.

These veterans must have completed either

55.                ·   24 continuous months of active duty, or

56.                ·   the full period for which called or ordered to active duty, but not less than 90 days (any part during wartime) or 181 continuous days (peacetime).

57.                 

Note:  Cases involving other than honorable discharges will usually require further development by VA.  This is necessary to determine if the service was under other than dishonorable conditions.