VA Reports Records of 26.5 Million Veterans Stolen
Washington, DC – On Monday, May 22, 2006, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reported that records of more than 26.5 million veterans were stolen from an employee’s home. A VA employee had taken home an electronic data file that contained veterans names, birth dates, and social security numbers as well as some spousal information and some disability ratings. The burglary reportedly occurred on May 3, 2006. The VA employee has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of investigations by the FBI and local law enforcement officials.
PVA President Randy L. Pleva, Sr. expressed concern for these recent events. "I find it deeply troubling that the VA has allowed the personal information of so many millions of veterans to be compromised," stated Pleva. "Even more troubling is the fact that the VA did not notify the public about this incident until nearly three weeks after the information was stolen."
The VA has reported that no electronic health records or financial information was taken. The VA intends to send out notification letters to all veterans affected. Veterans can also go to www.firstgov.gov as well as www.va.gov/opa to get more information on this matter. Additionally, the VA has established a manned call center that veterans may call to get information about this situation and learn more about consumer identity protections. That tollfree number is 1-800-FED-INFO (333-4636). The call center will be open beginning today, and will operate from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. (EDT), Monday-Saturday as long as it is needed.
"PVA hopes that the VA holds all individuals involved in this matter properly accountable for their actions," Pleva emphasized. "Simply placing this individual on administrative leave for jeopardizing the lives of so many veterans is wholly unacceptable."
PVA will work with the VA as well as Congress to ensure that proper protections are put in place to ensure that this type of incident does not occur again.
Founded in 1946, Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), is the only congressionally chartered veterans service organization dedicated solely for the benefit and representation of individuals with spinal cord injury or disease. PVA is a dynamic, broad-based organization with more than 21,000 members in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. To learn more about PVA, visit its Web site at www.pva.org.