Military healthcare plays a vital role in maintaining force readiness and protecting the lives of service members, veterans, and their families. From battlefield triage to routine diagnostics at base hospitals, medical personnel are trusted to deliver accurate, timely care. But behind nearly every diagnosis is a laboratory test—and when those lab results are wrong, the consequences can be devastating.

Laboratory errors in military medical testing are often overlooked forms of medical malpractice. They can lead to misdiagnosis, unnecessary procedures, delayed treatment, and long-term harm. In this blog, we’ll explore how lab errors happen, what rights patients have under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA), and what steps to take if you suspect your injury or illness was caused—or worsened—by faulty lab testing in the military or VA system.

Understanding Laboratory Errors in Military Medicine

Laboratory tests are used to diagnose infections, monitor chronic diseases, detect cancer, and assess organ function. In the military healthcare system, tests are performed in a wide range of settings—from small clinics on overseas bases to major VA hospitals in the U.S. But regardless of location, lab errors can occur at multiple stages of testing.

Common Types of Lab Errors:

• Specimen mislabeling or mix-ups
• Contamination of blood or tissue samples
• Incorrect test ordered or conducted
• Delay in processing critical samples
• Data entry or transcription errors
• Faulty equipment calibration
• Failure to report or follow up on abnormal results

Unlike other forms of negligence, laboratory errors are often hidden from the patient’s view. You may not even know an error occurred until years later—when your condition worsens or another provider uncovers the mistake.

Real-World Consequences of Lab Errors

When diagnostic testing fails, the effects can be irreversible. Service members and veterans have reported:

• Delayed cancer diagnoses because abnormal pathology reports were lost or never reviewed
• Unnecessary surgeries due to misidentified lab specimens
• Incorrect medication dosages based on faulty lab results
• Untreated infections from inaccurate bloodwork
• Liver or kidney damage from misread toxicology reports

For military retirees, these failures are particularly harmful. Many leave service trusting that their medical charts reflect years of correct testing and treatment. But when a lab error occurred long ago, the clock may already be ticking on a preventable—but now advanced—condition.

Are Laboratory Errors Grounds for a Military Malpractice Claim?

Yes—if the error resulted in harm, and the testing was performed by a federal employee within a military or VA facility, it may be actionable under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA).

The FTCA allows military retirees, veterans, and dependents to seek compensation when negligence by a federal healthcare provider results in injury. This includes errors by laboratory staff, phlebotomists, technicians, and any other federal employee involved in processing or interpreting medical tests.

How to Prove a Lab Error in a Malpractice Case

Lab-related malpractice cases are among the most complex to investigate because they require tracing a specific error through layers of documentation. To succeed under the FTCA, you must prove:

1. A duty of care was owed
2. That duty was breached through negligence or deviation from medical standards
3. The breach directly caused your injury
4. You suffered damages—physical, emotional, financial

Key Evidence May Include:

• Original lab requisition forms
• Chain of custody logs
• Internal QA (quality assurance) documentation
• Provider notes referencing test results
• Expert medical opinions confirming the error and resulting harm

In many cases, an independent pathologist or lab technician must review the full case to identify the point of failure. Their testimony can provide the missing link between a paperwork oversight and a life-altering injury.

Filing a Claim Under the FTCA for Laboratory Negligence

If you suspect that a military or VA lab error caused you harm, the legal process begins with an administrative claim, not a lawsuit.

Step 1: File a Standard Form 95 (SF-95)

This form is the gateway to a potential claim. It must include:

• A detailed description of what happened
• The facility and individuals involved
• The amount of compensation you’re seeking
• Supporting documents (lab reports, expert reviews, etc.)

The SF-95 must be submitted to the appropriate federal agency (typically the DoD or VA) within two years of discovering the injury—not necessarily when the error occurred.

Step 2: Wait for the Government’s Response

After submission, the agency has six months to investigate your claim. They may:

• Request more documentation
• Conduct an internal review
• Offer a settlement
• Deny the claim outright

If no response is given within six months—or if the claim is denied—you have the right to proceed to federal court.

Challenges Unique to Military Lab Malpractice Cases

• Time delays: Some lab errors are only discovered years after separation from service.
• Missing records: Military testing records may be incomplete, poorly scanned, or archived.
• Multiple hand-offs: Tests often move between military and civilian labs, complicating liability.
• Government resistance: The VA or DoD may argue that harm was not directly caused by the lab error.

That’s why working with a qualified military malpractice attorney is critical. These cases demand precise legal filing, expert coordination, and a deep understanding of both federal law and military healthcare systems.

Potential Compensation for Victims

If your claim is successful under the FTCA, you may be eligible for compensation that covers:

• Medical expenses for corrective treatment or long-term care
• Lost wages or career impact
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life

While the FTCA does not allow punitive damages, settlements in lab error cases can be substantial—especially when the misdiagnosis led to advanced disease or permanent disability.

Conclusion: Lab Errors Are Hidden Threats—But You’re Not Powerless

A single misread test can alter the course of your life. When the mistake happens in a military or VA facility, it’s easy to feel like your case will disappear into bureaucracy. But if you’ve suffered due to a laboratory error, you may have a path forward—and it starts with knowing your rights.

At Khawam Ripka LLP, we’ve helped military families uncover medical negligence hidden in lab reports, pathology records, and diagnostic charts. Our team is experienced in tracing these complex failures and building strong legal claims for the compensation our clients deserve.

👉 Visit ForTheMilitary.com or call today to schedule a confidential consultation.
Don’t let a hidden lab error define your future. Let us help you find the truth—and fight for the justice you’re owed.