Does this only affect veterans discharged after 1975?
It potentially affects all veterans who were discharged after 1975, which is when VA automated its records systems and began regular input of information received from the Department of Defense on all separating veterans.
When VA automated its records systems, VA also input data from all historical claimant records that had been manually maintained by the agency. This data loss therefore also potentially affects all veterans who have ever filed a claim for VA disability compensation, pension, or Education benefits, or who have (or had) a VA insurance policy – no matter when the claim was filed or when they were discharged. These veterans would be included even if their claim was denied or they are not currently receiving benefits.
We urge all veterans to be extra vigilant and monitor their financial accounts.
I have never applied for benefits from VA. Do I need to be concerned?
The electronic data stolen includes information from many veterans who have never filed for VA benefits or contacted VA. Since the 1970s, VA has received information from the Department of Defense on all who served. You are encouraged to take steps to protect yourself against identity theft.