-- A judgment awarding US$1,000 to each veteran who can show that he or she has been harmed by the VA's violation of the Privacy Act.

The VA said it does not comment on specific litigation.

"VA continues to conduct a complete and thorough investigation into this incident, and has hired independent data forensic experts to better determine what information may be involved," VA spokesman Matt Burns said in a statement e-mailed to Computerworld. "VA is providing additional details about the nature of the data as new information is learned. VA is also taking aggressive steps to improve its policies and procedures regarding the handling of sensitive data, and the Department continues to notify individuals whose personal information may have been involved. Additionally, VA is in ongoing discussions with several entities regarding credit-monitoring services to determine how veterans and others potentially affected can best be served...."