Well,
it all depends on how large your network is. Arguably it is much easier to setup socat than it is to start inclusion from scratch for 20+ network item. You can search quite easily how you can set this up with the old home assistant component. It is actually completely identical. I don’t quite understand how you managed to have HA work with your vera previously without setting up socat.
As for setting up Z-waveJS, I can’t help very much. It does take a bit of learning I am sure. I am certain that there is a docker container path which people will say is easier. Just not to me and it seems.
quick search for vera socat in the forum: