Wondering about VA loan eligibility?

Question

I was looking up eligibility requirements and ran into some confusing language. Hoping one of you folks can help.

The VA site says that separation must be "characterized as honorable". Does that mean Honorable d/c's only or does that include General -Under Honorable Conditions? I guess I had always assumed it applied only to Honorable d/c's (since that's true of a lot of benefits) but reading that, I'm not so sure. Anyone work with VA loans that knows? Just curious.

I was medically separated and given a General -Under Honorable Cond. d/c. I've always been a little pissed that it wasn't Honorable and never got a good explanation as to why. I always suspected that it was because my reason for separation was a non-service connected medical condition (Crohn's disease) and somebody figured out that if they gave me an Honorable, then they'd be on the hook for my health care. I also wasn't booted out, they simply pulled my waiver and declined to allow me to re-enlist. I didn't really put up a fight at the time and now I'm hoping that isn't going to bite me in the *** as I look into home loans. If I can't go the VA route, then I can't but I will if I'm eligible.

Thanks!

Docar · Accepted Answer

"In order to receive VA benefits and services,  the Veteran’s character of discharge or service must be under other than dishonorable conditions (e.g., honorable, under honorable conditions, general)."

Mutt · Answer

You don't get VA health care for an Honorable Discharge, unless you have a condition that is service related. Yours is not, so you would not receive any with an Honorable Discharge. Why you received a General, though, I do not know since I have no access to your personnel file.

As fro the VA loan, yes, you would be eligible with an "Under Honorable Conditions" discharge. Most of the benefits you get with a Honorable Discharge are still available to you, including the VA loan.

Understand that it is not an actual loan you get from the VA. It's a loan guarantee the VA makes with the bank in case you default on the mortgage. The mortgage itself still comes from the bank, and you still have to meet the eligibility requirements of the bank also to get the loan. But with a VA loan, those requirements are a little lower, and they cannot require a down payment to get the loan (you can still have one if you want, though). There are also many closing costs that you can roll into the loan if you want (there are some you can't, though, so you still will need a couple/few thousand dollars at closing).

Anonymous · Answer

A discharge characterized by the military as "under honorable conditions" is binding on conditions. If your waiver was pulled, you are eligible for very limited benefits(I believe you need to have served at least 180 days). Separated and discharged are two vastly different things cupcake. And you were booted out slick.

BTW- I was wounded in combat. I was given a "Honorable discharge" due to a medical condition.

BTW- I was wounded in combat. I was given a "Honorable discharge" due to a medical condition.

Tiffany · Answer

You aren't eligible

Michaela · Answer

how long were you in?  if you weren't in at least 2 years AFTER your AIT school then you weren't in long enough to be considered a 'veteran' and you won't be eligible.

Wondering about VA loan eligibility?

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