Self representation is possible but most brokers will not allow it due to liability. Also it doesn’t matter if it is VA, FHA, lender owned, or a private sale, in California the seller pays the commission. So yes if the home is owned by the VA or FHA or FNMA or HUD or Wells Fargo or whoever the commission gets paid. However, once more I don’t know of any large brokerages where a broker would allow that.
Also I guess to me your point is moot because this would apply for any home for anybody. Getting a license isn’t rocket science so anyone can do it. However when they do it the reality of the situation will show them that if it happens it is very very very rare.