Veterans Re-Entry Search Service
Helping correctional and criminal justice entities identify Veterans and connect them with VA care.
Veterans Re-Entry Search Services (VRSS) is a secure, VA-administered online system that helps correctional and criminal justice entities, such as court systems, identify individuals who have served in the U.S. military. The system is designed to facilitate VA outreach and support programs for justice-involved Veterans, including those who are incarcerated or under court supervision.
How VRSS works
VRSS matches inmate or defendant information against VA and Department of Defense records to identify Veteran status. This identification allows staff with Veterans Justice Programs, including Health Care for Re-entry Veterans (HCRV) and Veterans Justice Outreach (VJO) specialists, to connect eligible Veterans with targeted services such as housing assistance, medical and mental health support, and reintegration resources. By automating Veteran identification, VRSS improves data accuracy, reduces delays in service delivery, and helps connect Veterans with supportive services early in the re-entry process.
Benefits of using VRSS
- No downloads or specialized training required
- Better understanding of the Veteran population within a facility or court system
- More targeted VA outreach to justice-involved Veterans
- Improved access to housing assistance, health care, and other supportive services
- Support for successful re-entry and community reintegration
- Connects Veterans with housing, health care, and other VA resources
Access and security
VRSS is available only to authorized personnel from correctional facilities, court systems, and other criminal justice entities.
VA adheres to federal data protection and system security standards to safeguard information submitted through VRSS. The system complies with federal privacy and security regulations, including the Privacy Act and the Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA), ensuring that personally identifiable information (PII) is protected.
The system uses submitted information to cross-reference VA records and helps identify Veterans within a facility or court population.
Get started with VRSS
Identifying Veterans involved in the justice system can connect them with VA services that support successful re-entry, housing stability, health care access, and overall well-being.
Sign up for VRSS
Visit the VA Veterans Justice Programs page to learn about other resources for justice-involved Veterans.