As a 100% Permanent & Total (P&T) veteran, you are in an exceptionally strong financial position for a home purchase, with the key benefit being the exemption from the VA Funding Fee, per **38 CFR 3.400(o)(5)**, which can save you thousands. Your excellent credit, substantial savings, and stable income outside of VA compensation mean you will likely qualify for a significant loan amount with highly favorable terms, including $0 down and no private mortgage insurance. Your immediate first step is to obtain your **Certificate of Eligibility (COE)** from the VA, which will automatically reflect your funding fee exemption, and then get **pre-approved** with a reputable VA-specific lender (like those recommended on the VA's Lender Search page) to determine your precise budget and demonstrate seriousness to sellers in the competitive DFW market. Critically, as a first-time buyer, you must engage a **VA-savvy real estate agent** who understands the VA's Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs) to guide your search and negotiations. The process order is: 1) Get COE and pre-approval, 2) Hire your agent, 3) House hunt with MPRs in mind, 4) Make an offer, 5) Undergo VA appraisal and underwriting, and 6) Close. Remember, your VA compensation income can also be used for debt-to-income ratio calculations, further strengthening your application.
*Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes regarding VA benefits and processes and does not constitute legal, financial, or medical advice. For personalized guidance, consult with an accredited VA claims agent, attorney, or a HUD-certified housing counselor.*
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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