The Department of Veterans Affairs confirmed Monday that social security numbers of 26.5 million veterans had been stolen after an employee took the data home on CD without permission. The information was taken when the employee's house was burglarized.

Although it's unlikely the social security data was specifically targeted, the VA has setup a cell center and Web site for veterans who believe their information was misused. VA Secretary Jim Nicholson said the stolen data did not include medical records or financial details. The employee has been placed on leave pending a review, Nicholson said.

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