DENVER (AP) - The Latest on possible compromise of veterans personal information (all times local):
4:08 p.m.
The Department of Veterans Affairs has warned more than 2,100 veterans in eastern Colorado and Kansas that their personal information may have been compromised when an employee emailed documents to himself.
The VA said Wednesday the information included full names, parts of Social Security numbers and medical diagnoses.
A VA employee told The Associated Press that he is the person who emailed the information to himself and described it as unauthorized wait lists that could be used to conceal lengthy delays in providing care. The employee spoke on condition of anonymity because he fears retaliation.
The VA’s internal watchdog announced last month that it was looking into the employee’s claims at the request of two senators.
The VA says it takes the allegations seriously and will work with the inspector general.
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1:28 p.m.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is warning more than 2,100 veterans in eastern Colorado and parts of Kansas that their personal information may have been compromised.
The department said Wednesday an employee emailed unencrypted documents including personal information to the employee’s personal email account.
The VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System says the information included the veterans’ full names, the last four digits of their Social Security numbers and medical diagnoses.
The agency is sending letters to everyone who might be affected.
The VA says it’s investigating and taking steps to prevent future incidents.
VA spokesman Dan Warvi declined to say whether the investigation focuses on the employee accused of releasing the information.
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