A computer error recently resulted in the Department of Veterans Affairs sending out letters mistakenly informing at least 1,200 veterans that they had amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease, Modern Healthcare reports (Modern Healthcare, 8/24).
ALS is a fatal neurodegenerative illness.
The letters, dated Aug. 12, aimed to inform veterans with ALS about disability benefits available to them (AP/New York Times, 8/25). The letters were not intended to provide a medical diagnosis of ALS, VA spokesperson Katie Roberts said (Welch, USA Today, 8/24).
The National Gulf War Resource Center posted a statement on its Web site saying that many veterans who mistakenly received the letter visited private physicians for a second medical opinion, which can cost $1,000 to $3,000.
NGWRC said VA should reimburse veterans who incurred medical costs as a result of the error (United Press International, 8/25).
VA officials are reviewing such cases, Roberts said (USA Today, 8/24).