Veterans' personal information...?

Question

I know this is kind of old news, but are there any other veterans out there besides me that are pissed off and scared sh!tless at the same time.

Is it true that all we can really do is wait to see if our credit gets screwed up or our lives.

I feel very cheated. SOMEONE above that man had to have told him, 'yeah, take that crap home with you.......there's just too much to do during the work day.'

Not that it would help much if anyone did take the fall, but it would definitely make me feel better. In every branch of the military are we not taught from practically day one to take responsibility for our actions?

Has anyone taken responsibility?

Answer 1

The employee is cooperating fully with the investigation. The employee was initially placed on administrative leave, and VA is implementing procedures necessary to dismiss the employee. Also, the official responsible for the organization in which this employee served has resigned his position because of the events.

I've also heard that the data was encrypted and required special software to access. Likely the thief didn't even know what he had and pawned it. If not, there is a $50K reward for the laptop and external hard drive.

Answer 2

Not yet, only time will tell when the top heads of the Veterans' Administration starts rolling one by one. I'm referring to the ones who let this mess happen in the first place.

Answer 3

Just another perspective, based on being a volunteer American Legion Service Officer, and an "accredited representative", (VA credentialled), for over 10 years.

Go back 12-18 months ago when VA announced they were going to call in PTSD Vets, (those at 100% comp), approximately 95,000 Vets for re-evaluation. Democrats accused Bush of taking benefits away from Vets; order rescinded within a week. VA Secretary's testimony before HVAC about 2/06 admitted backlog of claims and appeals had jumped from 400K+ to almost a million in the space of 3 or 4 years.

Also Congressionally appointed VA Disability Commission, due to submit its report in about 6 months. Commission not VA controlled, but its mission was directed to look specifically at Vet and Dependent Compensation.

Now, and I know this is only a brief report and dates not specific, but I can direct you to specifics, ( but it might make your jaw tighten).

I have been on "keyword alerts" since outset and there are about 500 news stories from newspapers around country. Recently interspersed with "bit by bit" admissions of degree of info "stolen, are VA revelations that there have been "possible" errors in % service connection for PTSD, and Individual Unemployability.

Coincidence, hell I've seen the VA pull worse "injustices" in VA claims and appeals; remember average Vet doesn't have great access to, or understanding of 38 USC, 38 CFR's, BVA decisions, General Counsel's Office precedent opinions, VCAA of 2000, and Federal Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims precedent opinions, not to mention VA M1, M2 etc manuals.

I would definitely take all possible actions to protect against "identity theft". I also would suggest you become familar with the Department of Veterans Affairs, ( 2nd largest US Government Agency behind DOD, with 250,000 employees).

Oh yeah, DVA Inspector General knew that records were being taken off site for 3 years, but said, "I couldn't get anyone to listen to me". Check out "powers" of Inspector Generals in US Government Agencies.

Check out NVLSP, National Veterans' Legal Service Project, for truthful, helpful, and Veteran oriented information.

Spellcheck "having problems", so forgive errors.


I should add I am conservative Republican, contributor. Rep. Steve Buyer, (Indiana or Ohio), Chairman of HVAC, House Veterans' Affairs Committee, Persin Gulf War Vet. VA Secretary Nicholson, Nam Special Forces, decorated.

Question why does US seem to "forget its Vets"? Less than 20% of House and Senate are Veterans; I think you have to be Veteran to fully understand Vets and their problems.

Answer 4

when their are breaches of this type the chance of having your identity stolen is vary small. You need to worry when some one takes 10 to 20 individuals information.

The guy who stole a computer out of this guys car that had all the info on it probably reformatted the hard drive so he could sell it at a pawn shop.

Answer 5

I just hope whoever stole the computer erased everything so he could use it himself or sell it.
I take some small comfort in the fact that this is more likely than having the information fall into the wrong hands.

Answer 6

Look at Pearl Harbor, appear on the assaults on nine/eleven..the ones are simply high examples of why we will have to honor our vets, individuals who risked and died to look after us from different native land assaults. You with ease will have to honor anybody who signed a touch announcing sure, I am inclined to DIE for thousands of folks I do not even realize. -LIFE

Answer 7

Talk about "Screwing the Pooch".

And we veterans are the ones that are the pooch this time.