Many soldiers came back from World War I with physical or mental disabilities. At the time, the term "shell shock" was used to describe post-traumatic stress disorder. Soldiers suffering from shell shock were reacting to the trauma of battles and bombardment, and symptoms included headaches, amnesia, dizziness, sensitivity to light and sound, and inability to sleep or walk. Other soldiers returned home with amputated legs or arms, or with immune systems weakened by illness.

After the the war, the large numbers of disabled veterans led to the creation of rehabilitation centers and employment centers for these soldiers. The goal of these organizations were to provide support and resources to help soldiers reintegrate into civilian life.