Privacy Policy
You do not have to provide the information requested for My HealtheVet registration, but if you choose not to provide it, we will be unable to process your request and deliver to you My HealtheVet online services. Your decision not to provide this information will have no effect on any other benefits to which you may be entitled.
My HealtheVet recognizes the importance you place on privacy protection on the Internet. We make every effort to protect that privacy and to keep your personal information private and secure when using My HealtheVet. We will not disclose your personal information to third parties outside VA without your consent, except to facilitate the transaction, to act on your behalf at your request, or as authorized by law. Certain administrative information, such as your full name, date of birth, social security number, gender, email address, user type and zip code are collected to provide you access to My HealtheVet and is subject to the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a, as amended). Only authorized persons in the conduct of official business may use your personal, administrative information contained in the My HealtheVet Administrative system of records. Any unauthorized disclosure or misuse of your personal administrative information may result in criminal and/or civil penalties. You may file a civil action in a Federal District Court against VA if you believe that VA violated the Privacy Act.
For website management, information is collected for statistical and management purposes. This government computer system uses software programs to create anonymous, summary statistics, which are used for such purposes as assessing what information and My HealtheVet services are the most and least useful to users. For site security purposes and to ensure that this service remains available to all users, this government computer system employs software programs to monitor network traffic to identify unauthorized attempts to upload or change information, or otherwise cause damage. Unauthorized attempts to upload information or change information on this service are strictly prohibited and may be punishable under Federal law.
My HealtheVet is a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) computer system. This computer system, including all related equipment, networks, and network devices (specifically including Internet access) are provided for only authorized uses. VA computer systems are monitored for security purposes and unauthorized access. During monitoring, information may be examined, recorded, and copied.
The Use of Cookies
A Persistent Cookie is a line of text that is saved to a file on your hard drive and is called up the next time you visit that website. This permits the website to remember information about your previous visits and use of the website. My HealtheVet uses Cookies and Tracking Technologies in accordance with the VA Privacy Notice (http://www.va.gov/Privacy/).
Security of Information
At all times, security maintenance and administration is an essential element of web site operation. My HealtheVet employs several levels of security to protect the personal identifiable information of registered users. When you enter in your personal information, My HealtheVet establishes a secure connection with your browser so your information is 'encrypted' or scrambled for transmission and viewing while you access your information. In addition, these security measures comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) Security Rule.
Password Protection
Your identification and password are protected using a security protocol which provides a transmission level of encryption between your browser and My HealtheVet servers. The connection icon area on your browser will change to "HTTPS" instead of "HTTP" when this security feature is invoked. Your browser may also display a lock symbol on the task bar at the bottom of your screen to indicate this secure transmission is in place.
Personal Responsibility for Personal Information
You are responsible for protecting the personal health information you print out or download. It is important to protect your information the same way you would protect your credit card or bank information. Do not leave your printed information in a printer. Do not save your downloaded information to a public computer.
Registration
We encourage you to register for a My HealtheVet account to access many of the available features and tools. Registration is not required for use of certain features such as our Health Library.
Logging In
When you register for a My HealtheVet account, access to your personal pages will be password protected. You will have five (5) attempts to enter the correct password before you are locked out of the system. We strongly recommend that you protect your password, do not divulge it to anyone, and change it on a regular basis. My HealtheVet will never ask for your password in an unsolicited phone call or unsolicited e-mail.
Logging Out
You should always remember to log out when you are finished accessing your My HealtheVet account. This prevents someone else from accessing your personal information that is available when you are logged in. It is important to always log out when you leave, share, or use a public computer (i.e., a library or Internet café). If you forget to log out, the My HealtheVet system will automatically time-out your session after a period of non-activity.
Saving of Passwords by Browser
Many Internet browsers (such as Internet Explorer and Google Chrome) allow users to save User IDs and Passwords. When prompted by a browser to save your My HealtheVet User ID and Password, you should decline this option. Saving user IDs and passwords could potentially allow persons to gain access to your computer and access your personal information.
Surveys, Questionnaires and Polls
My HealtheVet may use surveys, questionnaires and polls to facilitate feedback and input from our users. When you respond to surveys, questionnaires or polls related to our site, this information is collected as anonymous, aggregated information and is used for statistical purposes and/or to improve the site.
Reviewed/Updated: January 27, 2017