Personal data on more than 26 million veterans is at risk of identity theft after a Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) employee's home was burglarized and the data stolen.

The data contained names, social security numbers and dates of birth, as well as some disability ratings.

According to the VA, the data did not include any of the VA's electronic health records or any financial information on the veterans.

The employee, the VA said, was not authorized to take the data home. The employee has been placed on administrative leave.

Various law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and the VA's Inspector General's Office, have launched investigations into the theft.

"It is possible that they (the thieves) remain unaware of the information they possess or how to make use of it," the VA said in a Monday statement.

"However, out of an abundance of caution, the VA is taking all possible steps to protect and inform our veterans."

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