Search Privacy Violations, Breaches and Complaints
This database was last updated in December 2015 ago and should only be used as a historical snapshot. More recent data on breaches affecting 500 or more people is available at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Breach Portal.
VA Southeast Network (VISN 7)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on January 24, 2012. Also cited in 225 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000071008, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 07 Decatur, GA
Issue:
A Social Worker e-mailed a Supplemental Claim for Compensation to a Veteran. The form included information of another Veteran, including his name, address, social security number, and service connection conditions. The e-mail was sent via Outlook on 1/19/12 at approximately 5:00 pm. The error was identified on 1/20/12 at approximately 3:30 pm. The Social Worker attempted to recall the message in Outlook, but was unsuccessful. The Social Worker called the Veteran and asked him to delete the email and destroy any copies of the document. The Veteran agreed to do this. Update: 01/25/12:Due to full SSN and medical information being disclosed, Veteran B will receive a letter offering credit protection services.
Outcome:
Employee was verbally counseled and provided further retraining regarding email communication with Veterans by supervisor. Employee is current with privacy training.