Journal of Sociology and Social Work

War on Mind: The Impact of Mental Health Disparities within the United States Military A G.I. Bill Policy Analysis
Nicole Gorra

Abstract
Following The First World War, The American Legion, a nonprofit society of veterans, began lobbying Congress to pass a bill that would generously reward military personnel for their service to the country. Signed by President Roosevelt in June 1944, The G.I. Bill, first titled The Servicemen‟s Readjustment Act of 1944 was a triumph of its time. As with all new implementations, disparities, inequities, and gaps in accessibility were not exposed until protocols and entitlement benefits were put into practice. The premier benefits named under The G.I. Bill were housing, employment, education, and vocational opportunities. Although principal human necessities were considered, mental health was not. The oversight was likely a sign of the time, yet over 75 years later, significant gaps prevail. An analysis of the G.I. Bill will highlight the complex challenges surrounding veterans and access to mental healthcare while providing insights for policy reform that reflect increased accessibility and inclusion.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/jssw.v10n1a4