Unsecured Laptop Missing from VA Could Compromise Social Security Information of Veterans Disability Claims

Two months ago, a laptop at the William Jennings Bryan Dorn Veterans Administration Medical Center went missing. Now, more than 7,000 veterans in the state of South Carolina are being notified that their personal information, including social security information, could be compromised.

The VA reports that, although most employee laptops at the facility are password protected and patient information is encrypted, this particular laptop was unsecured, because it was hooked up to a medical device.

The laptop contained a huge amount of information about the hospital’s veteran patients, including full names, the last four digits of their social security number, test results, and height and weight. It is enough to perpetrate social security fraud.

To help prevent credit or social security fraud, the potentially-compromised veterans will be offered a year of free credit protection with Equifax, the same company that offered credit monitoring to South Carolina citizens after the massive hack attack last October.

The news is particularly troubling in light of 2012’s hack attack against the Department of Revenue, and raises questions about South Carolina’s information protection. “Certainly businesses and agencies state or federal should have some protocol in place to make sure that those items are being secured,” said Carri Grube Lybarker from the state Consumer Affairs Department.

“It’s also the consumers knowing that you need to protect your information too and get a copy of those policies when you’re asked for your personal identifying information to see how it’s going to be stored and taken care of,” she added

Dorn officials said that, so far, there are no signs that any of the personal and social security information on the laptop has been misused. However, they added that Dorn will ensure all computers used in the facility and by staff will be protected from now on.

Social Security Problems can be Difficult and Frustrating

If you are facing Problems with your Social Security, we understand that you need you help now.  Not only can Social Security be confusing, but not getting the Social Security Benefits to which you are entitled can have a detrimental impact on your life.  No two Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income claims are the same, but the application and decision process remain the same.  That is why if you are facing problems with Social Security, you should contact the experienced attorneys at the Strom Law Firm.  Our attorneys have been dealing with these kinds of claims for years, and although your claim is sure to differ slightly from all others, we understand the underlying process, allowing us to effectively assist you in handling your claim.

The Strom Law Firm Can Help With Veterans Disability Problems in South Carolina

If past problems with your records affect your ability to apply for Veterans Disability in the state of South Carolina, the attorneys at the Strom Law Firm can help. Veterans Disability can be complex.  Not understanding the basics and not having counsel can leave you in a bind.  We understand that you need your benefits.  We will put our years of experience to work for you to ensure that you have the representation necessary to actively pursue your claim.  Call the attorneys at the Strom Law Firm today to discuss your Veterans Disability case today.  We will be glad to discuss any questions you may have during our free, confidential consultation.  Call the experienced attorneys at the Strom Law Firm at (803)252-4800.