Reserve and National Guardsmen

For VA loan eligibility Reservists and National Guard members must furnish proof of six years of creditable service with an HONORABLE discharge unless they were ordered to active duty IAW Title 10 United States Code (USC). The creditable service required for VA loan eligibility equals at least 16 points per year. The veteran must earn at least one Active Duty or Inactive Duty point every twelve months. Membership points are not counted as creditable service. For more on the reserve point system, feel free to take the Understanding the Reserve and Guard Point System course assigned in the VVA LMS. Contact training@vettedva.com for access.

For Reservists and National Guard members that qualify via Title 10 (Active-Duty) activation for at least a 90 consecutive day period. You must submit the member’s DD-214 showing the Character of Service (COS) and the narrative reason for the separation (Member 4). Members that were released from active duty for training or active duty for special work do not qualify for a Certificate of Eligibility.

National Guard

If active, a statement of service is required. The statement of service must be on military letterhead, signed by a Commanding Officer or Personnel Office, and state that the member is active, reserve, or National Guard, date of entry, SS#, DOB, any prior service, time lost, number of creditable years of service, and whether the member is on Title 10 or Title 32, and if on active duty as a Reservist or National Guardsman. If a member is no longer active, provide the National Guard (NGB-22 or 23) to verify reserve duty.

Reservist

If active, a statement of service is required. The statement of service must be on military letterhead, signed by a Commanding Officer or Personnel Office, and state that the member is active, reserve, or National Guard, date of entry, SS#, DOB, any prior service, time lost, number of creditable years of service, and whether the member is on Title 10 or Title 32, and if on active duty as a Reservist or National Guardsman. If a member is no longer active, the points statement and evidence of HONORABLE discharge are required.

*PLEASE NOTE: Reservists, must meet the length of service requirements regardless of the award of VA service-connected disability. The only exception is if the member was ‘Discharged” from service due to a VA service-connected disability. For example, if a member is discharged honorably prior to meeting the length of service requirements and then goes through the VA disability process to get their rating finalized AFTER discharge, they  are NOT eligible for VA loan benefits. They must meet the length of service requirements.

Please note that the VA will make the ultimate determination if a servicemember or Veteran is eligible for VA loan benefits. View Chapter 2 of the VA Lender Handbook for additional guidance. Chapter 2, VA Lender Handbook