If you served after September 7, 1980 (enlisted) or October 16, 1981 (officer), you will need to meet one of the following conditions to be eligible for a VA loan:

  * You must have completed at least 24 months of continuous active duty and you must have been discharged under honorable conditions.

  * You must have completed at least 181 days of active duty and have been discharged due to hardship, early out or have been diagnosed with a compensable service-related disability.

  * If you were discharged with less than 181 days of continuous service, it must have been due to a service-related disability.

  * You may be eligible for a VA loan if you were discharged due to an involuntary reduction in force, qualifying medical conditions or at the request of the government at its convenience.