  The American Veteran's On-Line News Magazine Click here to make VA Watchdog dot Org your homepage VA NEWS FLASH from Larry Scott at VA Watchdog dot Org -- 10-17-2008 |
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The American Veteran's On-Line News Magazine Click here to make VA Watchdog dot Org your homepage VA NEWS FLASH from Larry Scott at VA Watchdog dot Org -- 10-17-2008 |
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SEARCH FOR "MISHANDLED" PAPERWORK -- VARO management teams to spend weekend "dumpster diving" -- VAOIG looks to expand investigation -- Congress briefed, may investigate possible criminal intent.
Story below:
------------------------- UPDATE: VA'S REGIONAL OFFICES IN TURMOIL AS MANAGERS SEARCH FOR "MISHANDLED" PAPERWORK VARO management teams to spend weekend "dumpster diving" -- VAOIG looks to expand investigation -- Congress briefed, may investigate possible criminal intent. by Larry Scott
The shredder story from the Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA) continues to grow. Original story and follow-ups... The VA's Office of Inspector General (VAOIG) found documents pertinent to veterans' claims in shredder bins at the Detroit Regional Office (VARO). And, the VAOIG has been investigating a number of VAROs for "timeliness" issues regarding paperwork. Yesterday, VACO (VA Central Office) and VBA
(Veterans' Benefits Administration) put out a press release admitting
problems and outlining action to be taken. That press release is
here...
It is expected that there will be problems at every VARO. One source has stated that if any VARO claims they are "clean" when it comes to handling documents, this will raise immediate suspicion of the operation. VAOIG is now considering broadening the scope of their "timeliness" investigation. What started as a "routine" investigation is now out of hand and VAOIG may look at "mail handling" procedures at many more, if not all, VAROs. Those close to this matter are waiting for the "other shoe to drop," as it was told to me. Many feel this is just the beginning of major problems for VBA and their paperwork-handling procedures. And, now, Congress is involved. I have been told: "VA briefed House and Senate committee staff, and anticipates pressure for full, deeper investigation from Congress, which may call for investigation of possible criminal intent, not just 'oops, my bad' and be done with it." While there has been very little reaction from Congress at this time, you can expect a firestorm of investigation before too long. And, a personal note: In the VA's conference call Thursday (Oct. 16, 2008) with leaders of the veterans' service organizations, VA Watchdog dot Org was blasted by VA brass for breaking the shredder story. It appears VA feels this is a "small" problem that can be handled internally without press coverage. My only comment on that would be: If this is a small problem, why is VA taking such major action to resolve it? This is not a small problem. This is a HUGE problem. You can expect the "other shoe to drop," and when it does, veterans are not going to like the results. ------------------------- -------------------------
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