Who is eligible for a VA Loan?

Wartime/Conflict Veterans

Wartime/Conflict Veterans who were not dishonorably discharged, and served at least 90 days:

• World War II - September 16, 1940 to July 25, 1947
• Korean Conflict - June 27, 1950 to January 31, 1955
• Vietnam Era - August 5, 1964 to May 7, 1975
• Persian Gulf War - Check with VA regional office for specific eligibility.
• Afghanistan and Iraq - Check the VA's Web site for eligibility guidelines for current service in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Peacetime Service

Peacetime service of at least 181 days of continuous active duty with no dishonorable discharge. If you were discharged earlier due to a service-connected disability, you should speak with the regional VA office to verify eligibility.

• July 26, 1947 to June 26, 1950
• February 1, 1955 to August 4, 1964, or
• May 8, 1975 to September 7, 1980 (enlisted) or to October 16, 1981 (officer)
• Enlisted veterans whose service began after September 7, 1980, or officers whose service began after October 16, 1981, must normally have served at least two years.

Reserves and National Guard

Members who have completed six years of service and have been honorably discharged (or are still serving) may be eligible for a VA loan. Contact your regional VA office for more details.

Other Qualifying Service

Other types of service that may make you eligible for a VA loan:

• Certain US citizens who served in the armed forces of a government allied with the United States during World War II.
• Surviving spouses of eligible persons who died as the result of service or service-connected injuries. The surviving spouse must not have remarried.
• The spouse of any member of the Armed Forces serving on active duty who has been listed as a prisoner of war or missing in action for more than 90 days.