VA misinformed 1,200 on ALS

WASHINGTON, Aug. 25 (UPI) -- The U.S. Veterans Affairs Department says a computer glitch was responsible for more than 1,200 veterans being notified in error that they were seriously ill.

The National Gulf War Resource Center said the VA sent letters to those veterans informing them they had be diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, Modern Healthcare reported Monday.

The center posted a statement on it Web site saying the mistake proved costly for many veterans, who went to private clinicians for a second opinion.

"This second opinion outside of the VA is very expensive and can range from $1,000 to $3,000 or more," the center said.

The center said the VA should reimburse veterans who spent money to determine whether they have ALS, and that the agency "has an obligation" to get the word to veterans that they should not be "overly alarmed."

"In addition, each veteran that was notified should be rescreened by the (VA) for neurological issues that are undiagnosed."

A spokesman for the center told Modern Healthcare VA officials were aware of the problem and were trying to fix it, but VA officials were unavailable for comment, the report said.