If you are a veteran, the spouse of a veteran, or a member of the military, you could get a payment from a class action settlement. Your legal rights may be affected by this proposed class action settlement.

A settlement has been reached with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, the Secretary of the United States Department of Veterans affairs, the Deputy Secretary of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, and an employee of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs in their official capacities (together called the "Defendants") stemming from the theft of computer equipment which was reported to contain personal information of military veterans, spouses of military veterans and military personnel.

The Class includes all veterans, spouses of veterans, and military personnel who had actual damages during the Recovery Period that were directly related to the theft of computer equipment which was reported to contain personal information from the home of a VA employee on May 3, 2006. The Recovery Period began on May 3, 2006 and ended on February 11, 2009. The Class also includes all representatives, heirs, administrators, executors, beneficiaries, agents, and assigns of Class Members.

The Defendants will establish a $20,000,000 settlement fund to make payments to Class Members who had eligible out-of-pocket expenses during the Recovery Period, as well as to cover lawyers’ fees, costs and expenses. Any money remaining in the settlement fund after paying valid claims, lawyers’ fees, costs and expenses will be donated to the Fisher House Foundation, Inc., and The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, both veterans-related charities.

If you submit a valid claim you will be paid the actual cost of your out-of-pocket expenses incurred during the Recovery Period up to $1,500. The minimum payment for each valid claim will be $75. However, if the total amount needed to pay valid claims exceeds the amount left in the settlement fund after deducting lawyer’s fees, costs and expenses, each Class Member’s payment will be reduced and paid in proportion to all Class Members’ payments.

All claim forms must be postmarked no later than November 27, 2009.

To download a copy of the Claim Form, click here. To view a copy of the Settlement Agreement, click here. Please read the instructions carefully, fill out the Claim Form, attach the required documentation, and mail it postmarked no later than November 27, 2009 to:

Class Counsel recommends that you keep a copy of any Claim Form submitted as well as proof of mailing. For more information on the settlement, please read the Frequently Asked Questions.

YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS MAY BE AFFECTED BY THE PROPOSED SETTLEMENT IN THIS CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT. DO NOT CONTACT THE COURT OR THE VA.