f. Delayed Occupancy Due to Property Repairs or Improvements

Home improvements or a refinancing loan for extensive changes to the property which will prevent the veteran from occupying the property while the work is being completed constitute exceptions to the “reasonable time” requirement. 

The veteran must certify that he or she intends to occupy or reoccupy the property as a home upon completion of the substantial improvements or repairs.

g. Intermittent Occupancy

The veteran need not maintain a physical presence at the property on a daily basis.  However, occupancy “as the veteran’s home” implies that the home is located within reasonable proximity of the veteran’s place of employment.  If the veteran’s employment requires the veteran’s absence from home a substantial amount of time, the following 2 conditions must be met:

·   the veteran must have a history of continuous residence in the community, and

·   there must be no indication that the veteran has established, intends to establish, or may be required to establish, a principal residence elsewhere.

Use of the property as a seasonal vacation home does not satisfy the occupancy requirement.

h. Unusual Circumstances

Discuss unusual circumstances of occupancy with the appropriate VA office or submit a description of the circumstances to the VA office for prior approval.