Yes, this situation, while uncommon, does occur and indicates the VA's Eligibility Center (Denver RLC) has identified a potential issue with your characterization of service, specifically questioning if your discharge was due to a "length of service shortfall" linked to a disability. This inquiry stems from the core legal requirement for VA home loan eligibility: you must have been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, and if your service was less than the full obligated period, the discharge must not have been due to misconduct. The key regulation is **38 CFR 3.13**, which governs character of discharge determinations. The Denver RLC's request to the Veterans Service Center (VSC) is a procedural step to adjudicate this under **38 CFR 3.12-3.13**, as a formal character of discharge determination is required before benefits like a COE can be granted. Your actionable next step is to proactively gather and submit evidence to the VSC that your early separation was due to a service-connected disability or other mitigating circumstance, not misconduct. This evidence can include your DD-214, separation documents (especially any referencing a medical board or disability), and service medical records. If your discharge was later upgraded or you received a disability rating from the VA, submit that decision. This process is administrative, not a denial, but requires your prompt engagement to provide documentation supporting an honorable characterization for benefit purposes. *This information is for educational purposes regarding VA procedures and is not legal or medical advice.*
Need a deeper analysis?
Official 2026 VA monthly compensation, including the 2.8% COLA increase.
Dependent add-ons start at a 30% rating. Child-only and dependent-parent rates: see the full 2026 pay chart.
| Rating | Monthly (2026, incl. 2.8% COLA) |
|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 |
| 20% | $356.66 |
| 30% | $552.47 |
| 40% | $795.84 |
| 50% | $1,132.90 |
| 60% | $1,435.02 |
| 70% | $1,808.45 |
| 80% | $2,102.15 |
| 90% | $2,362.30 |
| 100% | $3,938.58 |
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