VA Loan Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and Statement of Service: Everything You Need to Know

Below is an overview of why and when a Statement of Service may be required for a VA loan, how it relates to the Certificate of Eligibility (COE), and why sometimes one document can replace the other—or why both might be necessary.

The COE is the official document from the Department of Veterans Affairs confirming that you meet the service requirements for a VA loan. Whether you’re active duty, a veteran, a National Guard or Reserve member, or a surviving spouse, the COE serves as the main “green light” for lenders, showing that you’re entitled to VA loan benefits.

• Many veterans can pull it themselves via the VA’s eBenefits portal.

• Lenders can also request it electronically on your behalf.

• If the VA has all your service records on file (e.g., DD214 for discharged veterans), the COE is often generated automatically.

If you’re a veteran with a properly documented DD214, and the VA can verify all your service details, you might never need an additional Statement of Service. Your COE (showing your entitlement) plus your DD214 (verifying honorable service) usually covers eligibility.

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If you’re still on active duty, you usually don’t have a DD214 because you haven’t been discharged yet. In that scenario, lenders and the VA need to confirm you’ve met the required service length or are still serving in good standing. A Statement of Service provides:

• Your rank and pay grade

• Your service start date

• Expected date of separation

• Verification you’re currently on active duty

Sometimes the VA doesn’t have all of your service details in its database (perhaps you switched branches, or paperwork got delayed). A Statement of Service helps fill in the gaps, so the VA or your lender can finalize or update the COE.

Guard or Reserve members often need different documentation (e.g., points statements) to prove eligibility. If you can’t provide those standard forms or your points records aren’t current, a Statement of Service can confirm you’ve met the required duty thresholds.

Think of the Statement of Service as supporting evidence that ensures the VA can produce or validate your COE. If the VA or your lender can’t automatically confirm your status, they’ll rely on this letter from your chain of command.

Instead of waiting for your records to be updated across various military and VA databases, you can show your lender and the VA a fresh Statement of Service. That can speed up approval by making the service verification piece crystal clear.

If you’re not yet separated or just recently separated and your DD214 is in transit or incomplete, the Statement of Service can “stand in” so the lender doesn’t have to put your application on hold.

• You likely won’t need a Statement of Service because your lender can pull your COE using your DD214, and everything is on file.

• You will often need a Statement of Service to confirm you’re currently serving and expected to meet VA requirements for a loan.

• You might be asked for a points statement and a Statement of Service, if your service records aren’t clearly documented or if the VA’s system can’t confirm you meet the necessary service threshold.

• If your name, Social Security number, or service dates differ between databases, your lender may ask for a Statement of Service to reconcile any mismatch and finalize the COE.

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• COE First: The goal is always to secure a valid COE—that’s your ultimate proof of eligibility.

• Statement of Service as Backup or Primary Proof: If your status (especially on active duty) or your records aren’t in the system, the Statement of Service is what cements your eligibility so the lender and VA can proceed.

• Smooth the Process: Getting a Statement of Service early—if you know you need it—makes the loan approval process more efficient.

• When in Doubt, Ask: Your lender should guide you on whether a Statement of Service is necessary. They know what documentation the VA requires in your particular situation.

You need a Statement of Service if you're currently on active duty without a DD214, or if your military records are incomplete or unavailable. This document helps confirm your eligibility by allowing the VA to finalize your Certificate of Eligibility (COE)—the official "stamp of eligibility" required for your VA loan—when automatic verification isn't possible. However, if you're already discharged with a complete DD214 or have an existing COE, you likely won't need a Statement of Service.

Ultimately, if you already have your COE or if you’re a discharged veteran with a clean DD214 on file, you might not need a Statement of Service at all. But if you’re still in uniform—or your records aren’t straightforward—your command’s signed Statement of Service can be the key to getting that COE (and your VA loan) locked in.

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