VA Releases More Info On Data Loss, Hires Independent Team

The stolen VA data file containing information about 26.5 million veterans could include information about current National Guard, reservists and active duty sailors.

Over the weekend, the Department of Veterans Affairs released new details about the May 3 incident in which the data file was stolen from an employee?s home.

?I have made it clear since learning of this incident that, as soon as VA learns any new information, the Department has a duty to immediately inform those potentially affected, said VA Secretary R. James Nicholson. ?VA continues to conduct a complete and thorough investigation into this incident, and those efforts are providing additional details about the nature of the data that may be involved.?

The VA has also hired an independent data forensic expert team to analyze the original data.

Potentially 10,000 to 20,000 National Guard and reservists could be impacted and between 25,000 and 30,000 active Navy personnel may be affected.

The VA is teaming with the Department of Defense to match data and verify those who could possibly be affected.

?VA will continue to work with the Department of Defense, other government agencies, members of Congress and other stakeholders to inform and help protect those potentially impacted,? said Nicholson.

VA claims nothing indicates that any of the other services are impacted by the data-loss incident.

As of Saturday, the VA had received no reports that the stolen data had been used for fraudulent purposes.

The VA?s call center continues to provide concerned individuals with up-to-date information on the incident and tips on how to protect themselves from identity theft. The call center can be reached at 1.800.FED.INFO (toll free.)