Mortgage Navigator • VA Underwriting

VA Rule vs. Lender Overlay

“My lender doesn't do it” and “VA doesn't allow it” are not the same statement.

VA baseline

VA establishes guaranty eligibility and underwriting requirements. Private lenders make the loan and can apply additional risk standards.

Credit-score example

VA publicly states that it does not require a minimum credit score. A lender can nevertheless impose its own minimum score.

Before giving up: identify whether the obstacle is VA policy, AUS/manual underwriting, property eligibility, or a lender overlay.

VA rule or lender overlay?

If a lender says this scenario cannot be done, identify the exact VA rule, AUS/underwriting result, or lender overlay before treating the answer as universal. See the VA decline framework →

Official VA baseline

VA Pamphlet 26-7 — Chapter 4: Credit Underwriting · VA Home Loans

Educational summary. Lenders may impose overlays beyond VA's baseline.