U.S. Rep. Nick J. Rahall (D-WV) decried the theft of 26.5 million veterans' names, Social Security numbers and birthdates and called for a full investigation into stolen personal data, taken from a Veterans Affairs employee this month after he brought the information home without authorization.

"As if the theft of much-needed and well-deserved benefits at the hands of a misguided Administration is not enough, now our veterans find themselves victims of a crime of a different sort," Rahall said. "This situation raises some serious questions about the security practices at the VA and about the ethics this particular VA employee. I urge the quick resolution of these concerns and the quick apprehension of the perpetrators who stole this information that should have never gotten out the front door in the first place."

The VA security breach comes on the heels of numerous criticisms of the department over the past few years, ranging from inaccurate budgetary projections and harmful recommendations to the veterans healthcare delivery system in West Virginia.

"As in the past, I assure our servicemen and women that anything less than excellent and informed actions from the Department of Veterans Affairs is something I will not accept," Rahall said. "I will continue to monitor this situation as developments occur on behalf of all of our veterans."

The stolen material represents the personal data of all living veterans who served and have been discharged since 1976. The information was included in the veterans' discharge summary that goes into a government database. No medical records appear to have been compromised.

While there has been no evidence that any of the missing data has been used illegally at this point, Rahall urged veterans to be extra vigilant and to carefully monitor their financial statements. If any unusual activity is detected, veterans should contact the Federal Trade Commission for further guidance.

A Question and Answer section for Veterans concerned by this event has been added to the website and can be accessed by clicking here.

The Department of Veterans Affairs has also set up a special Web site and toll-free number for veterans which contains the latest news and information. Veterans may visit http://www.firstgov.gov/ or call 1-800-FED-INFO.