how long after a short sale can a veteran apply for a va loan?

VA does not have any specific guidelines but expect any underwriter to review all aspects of the application very closely. I am working on one right now. If the previous loan was VA and you had any defiency covered by your entitlement it could reduce the amount available to you and lower the amount you can borrow on any new mortgage.

Short answer. 2 years.It will depend upon whether the previous loan was a VA or not. If it was, it could affect the "entitlement" which will affect how much of a VA loan you can get, or if you can get a VA loan at all.