Start with the real decision, not the search phrase.
An IRRRL should be evaluated against the actual existing VA mortgage. Confirm eligibility, seasoning, required benefit, costs, funding-fee treatment and the time needed to recover costs before focusing on the headline rate.
01
Use the current VA mortgage statement and proposed Loan Estimate for an apples-to-apples payment and balance comparison.
02
Ask the lender to document the applicable benefit and recoupment requirements for the transaction.
03
Consider how rolling costs into the loan changes the balance even when cash due at closing is low.