History 100 Years of Women’s Health Care at VA – 3 minute
Throughout American history, women have been an integral part of the U.S. military, serving since the time of the American Revolution. Some women even fought in combat by disguising themselves as men during both the American Revolution and Civil War. However, women who were disabled during the Civil War, Spanish-American War and World War One had to fight for the right to receive proper care and treatment at Veteran hospitals and care homes.
In 2023, we commemorate a significant milestone: 100 years since women Veterans began receiving health care services at VA. We pay tribute to all those who have devoted their efforts tirelessly over the years to ensure that the women who served our country are provided with the health care they earned and deserve. On September 14th, 1923, VA’s predecessor, the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers, approved its first hospital spaces for women veterans who served as nurses during World War.
I. These spaces were at the Soldier’s Home in Danville, Illinois, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Of the 52,000 women Veterans in America following World War I, 25% were either totally or partially disabled and therefore eligible for care. VA’s mission never stops growing, changing and adapting to ensure that every Veteran can feel like they belong. In the United States today, there were approximately 2 million women Veterans, with over 600,000 of them.
receiving top quality, gender-specific medical care from specially trained staff at VA facilities each year. Now more than ever, women Veterans belong at VA. We encourage you to see for yourself all the progress VA has made in caring for women Veterans over the last 100 years. To read more about the historical advances VA has made in women’s health care, visit womenshealth.va.gov/history.
