No you are not. If your loan was closed after March 1 of 1998 you must notify the lender or the VA so that they can approve your buyer. If your loan was closed before March 1 of 1998, you can have the buyer assume your loan without VA or lender approval. However, it is generally advised that you contact the VA for approval regardless of the date of your loan closing so you can receive a release of liability should the buyer default on his or her loan agreement.