VA investigates errant notices of fatal disease ( Lou Gehrig's disease)

[babylonsister]

VA investigates errant notices of fatal disease

By P.J. DICKERSCHEID (AP) – 1 hour ago


CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will personally apologize to veterans who received erroneous letters saying they had been diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease, agency spokeswoman Katie Roberts said Tuesday.

The veterans also will receive an explanation about how "this unfortunate and regrettable error" occurred and reassurances that the letters do not confirm diagnoses of the fatal neurological disease, she said. Roberts did not say whether the agency has determined how the error occurred.

VA employees were still thumbing through case files, trying to determine exactly how many veterans mistakenly received letters intended to inform sufferers of ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease, of benefits available to them or surviving spouses and children.

"We understand we made a mistake," Roberts said. "We had every good intention."

Roberts said the VA mailed more than 1,800 letters last week and has been notified by less than 10 veterans who received the letters in error. However, a Gulf War veterans group that provides information, support and referrals about illnesses to military members estimates at least 1,200 veterans received the letters by mistake.

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http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gv3EfUvsIyD4nUO6Nx7pF4xqQHsAD9AA3S3G0

[roguevalley]

1. good lord, how awful