Ineligible for HELOC after loan modification on 1st mortgage?

[Billy Bob]

I applied for a HELOC with a few recommended credit unions. Four years ago I did a loan modification. I owe $200k on a $500k on my primary residence in CA. Credit is over 700 with enough income to meet DTI on mortgage and new credit line. I have not had any late payments on my mortgage or any other credit obligations since then. Everything was going well with my application with one credit union until they declined it because of my loan modification? Now I read that Fannie Mae's guidelines disallows a HELOC on mortgages that have had modifications. That's part of the reason I went with CUs; because they often keep the credit lines and have their own guidelines. This CU keeps and services their HELOCS. When I had my 1st mortgage modified the lender did put about $40,000 on the "back end" of the mortgage payoff and also put it on a 40 year term. I think that may be the issue(s). I do not want to refinance. Has anyone had this particular issue? Suggestions? Thank you in advance!