VA employees accessed Vance and Walz medical records, investigation underway

Department of Veterans Affairs employees have illicitly accessed the medical records both major parties' vice presidential nominees, the agency confirmed to both campaigns. An investigation is ongoing.

At least 12 agency employees have improperly accessed the records of Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, and Gov. Tim Walz, D-Minn., according the Washington Post. Both men are veterans of the armed services, with Vance serving in the Marines and Walz in the National Guard.

“We take the privacy of the Veterans we serve very seriously and have strict policies in place to protect their records,” VA press secretary Terrence Hayes told the outlet. “Any attempt to improperly access Veteran records by VA personnel is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”

The agency has also provided evidence to the Department of Justice, which is weighing charges.

The motives of the employees who viewed the records have not been identified as of press time. The VA has since reiterated to employees that they may only access veteran information as part of their official duties and could face dismissal for violations.

Walz and Vance are slated to participate in the vice presidential debate on Tuesday.