What are the eligibility requirements for the VA Home Loan benefit?

The eligibility requirements for the VA Home Loan benefit primarily hinge on having served in the military and obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). The COE is a critical document that certifies to lenders that the borrower is eligible for a VA loan based on their military service. This ensures that veterans, active-duty service members, and select members of the National Guard and Reserves can access the benefits they have earned through their service, without being bound to a lengthy period of service or specific circumstances.

While there are various qualifying factors for the VA Home Loan benefit, including the number of days served and discharge status, obtaining the COE is the essential step that confirms eligibility. This makes it integral for veterans to understand the process of acquiring the COE as a primary requirement to access the VA loan benefits. Other options provided in the question do not serve as standalone eligibility criteria, as eligibility can be met through various forms of military service, not just through continuous service or deployment scenarios. Furthermore, previous home ownership does not disqualify a veteran from accessing VA loans, emphasizing the broader accessibility of this benefit.