Veterans Resources
The Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC), in partnership with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Virginia Department of Veterans Services, and Virginia Veteran and Family Support, has developed a resource guide — A Re-entry Roadmap for Justice-Involved Veterans in Virginia — to assist incarcerated veterans preparing for re-entry.
In addition, we offer veteran-specific programs and services to better support the incarcerated veterans under our care. View the resources listed below to learn more.
Veterans Housing Units
To address the unique needs of veterans, we offer separate housing units for military veterans at multiple VADOC facilities across the state. Participants live in a structured environment and take part in programs geared toward self-improvement and release preparation. Veterans also receive treatment and therapies that target veteran-specific issues such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury, substance abuse, and anger management.
Veterans housing units are currently offered at the following locations:
- Buckingham Correctional Center
- Deerfield Correctional Center
- Dillwyn Correctional Center
- Green Rock Correctional Center
- Greensville Correctional Center
- Haynesville Correctional Center
- Indian Creek Correctional Center
- Lunenburg Correctional Center
- St. Brides Correctional Center
- State Farm Correctional Center
Veterans Support Group
The Veterans Support Group is a reentry program offered at most VADOC facilities, including those without a veterans housing unit. This programs helps incarcerated veterans understand their federal benefits, provides instructions on how to access programs, and identifies available resources for veterans upon release. These peer-led meetings also help inmates build self-esteem, self-sufficiency, and self-awareness that fosters positive behavioral change.
We also partner with national veterans organizations such as Vietnam Veterans of America and the American Legion. Currently, Deerfield Correctional Center has a Vietnam Veterans of America Post Charter, while Pocahontas State Correctional Center has an American Legion Post Charter.
Veterans Services
Service Connected Disability Exams
Veterans may apply for service-related disability benefits while incarcerated. The VADOC, in partnership with the VA and the Virginia Department of Veterans Services, has established a procedure to conduct the service connected disability exams for incarcerated veterans.
State Identification Cards
The VADOC has an agreement with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles to issue veteran status on state issued identification cards when inmates apply for them prior to release. The veteran must have a copy of their DD214 to have this designation noted on the identification card.