Greetings,

The purpose of this communication is to announce an update to VA Pamphlet 26-7, (Lender’s Handbook) Appendix A: How to Contact Loan Guaranty Service and Appendix B: Loan Guaranty Stacking Orders.

Purpose: VA is publishing this update to Appendix A: How to Contact Loan Guaranty Service to inform and clarify:

• This table has been updated to remove Regional Office specific phone numbers, email addresses, and websites.

Purpose: VA is publishing this update to Appendix B: Loan Guaranty Stacking Orders to inform and clarify:

• This appendix is new and replaces the Full File Loan Review (FFLR) and Prior Approval stacking orders previously published in Chapter 5.
• The stacking orders for requesting prior approval have been updated to include disclosures and evidence of satisfaction of net tangible benefits and seasoning where applicable, and to clarify VA’s expectations related to the execution of the Uniform Residential Loan Application. While VA encourages lenders to adopt the prior approval request and guaranty stacking orders update immediately, the stacking order changes are effective August 11, 2024.
• The stacking orders for FFLR have been updated to conform with the stacking orders most recently published in Circular 26-22-16, except that the late reporting statement (required for loans guaranteed more than 60 days after the date of loan closing) has been moved up to item 2 in all cases. This change is effective August 11, 2024, at which point VA will rescind Circular 26-22-16.

Lenders may immediately implement these new guidelines.

The updates are available on our website:  https://benefits.va.gov/WARMS/pam26_7.asp

Sincerely,

Loan Guaranty Service