Supporting Veterans Beyond Traditional Care
At the West Virginia Department of Veterans Assistance (WVDVA), our mission is to connect Veterans and their families with the benefits and resources they’ve earned.
While our department does not provide health care outside of our resident facilities, we recognize the importance of helping Veterans understand the full range of wellness options available through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and local community providers.
One of the most promising developments in Veteran care is the VA’s Whole Health approach—a model that looks beyond illness or injury and focuses on what matters most to each Veteran as a person, empowering them to take charge of their own care.
What Is Whole Health?
Instead of focusing only on treating symptoms, Whole Health begins with a simple question:
“What really matters to you?”
The Veteran and their care team then develop a personal health plan based on that answer—one that integrates traditional medical treatment, preventive care, and complementary therapies to support the Veteran’s mind, body, and spirit.
Key Elements of Whole Health
Personalized Care
Every Veteran’s story is unique. Whole Health plans are built around each individual’s goals—whether managing chronic pain, improving sleep, reducing stress, or returning to hobbies and activities that bring meaning and joy.
Empowerment and Self-Care
Whole Health encourages Veterans to take an active role in their well-being. It emphasizes nutrition, exercise, mindfulness, and connection with others—habits proven to boost health and overall quality of life alongside traditional medicine.
Team-Based Support
Veterans benefit from a comprehensive care team that may include doctors, nurses, peer specialists, chaplains, and nutritionists. Many VA facilities also offer courses and workshops to help Veterans design and maintain their personal wellness roadmap.
Community Connection
Whole Health extends beyond VA Medical Centers. Veterans can connect with local fitness programs, outdoor recreation groups, and Veteran service organizations that promote healthy living and foster a renewed sense of purpose after service.
How WVDVA Supports Whole Health
While the WVDVA does not directly provide medical treatment to non-residents of our facilities, we play a vital role in connecting Veterans with the care and resources they need.
Our Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) can:
- Help Veterans enroll in VA health care and explore Whole Health services at VA Medical Centers.
- Refer Veterans to community programs that support wellness and social engagement.
- Provide guidance on benefits such as VA Disability Compensation, education assistance, and housing support that can reduce stress and enhance quality of life.
Wellness as a Way of Life
A Whole Health approach is based on the understanding that wellness is more than the absence of disease—it’s about living a life of meaning, balance, and connection.
If you’re a Veteran interested in learning more about Whole Health or enrolling in VA health care, visit your local VA Medical Center or contact your nearest WVDVA benefits office. Our staff can help you access your benefits and take the next step toward a healthier, more purposeful life.
About the West Virginia Department of Veterans Assistance
The WVDVA is a cabinet-level agency committed to serving West Virginia’s Veterans and their families by providing free assistance, advocating for benefits, and ensuring access to vital resources.
Our mission is to honor service by connecting Veterans and their families with the benefits and support they’ve earned.
To learn more about the services, find your nearest benefits office, or explore how WVDVA supports West Virginia’s Veterans, visit the About page or Benefits section on the WVDVA website: Veterans.wv.gov