Inspector General to Investigate Reports of "Wait Lists" at Colorado VA Facility

Statement

Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and Sen. Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), received a response from Michael Missal, Inspector General of the Department of Veterans Affairs, stating that the Office of Inspector General was ‎investigating the issues brought to his attention by the senators.

In September, Sens. Johnson and Gardner wrote a letter‎ ‎to Inspector General Missal requesting that he open an inquiry into possible "wait lists" that may have contributed to a veteran's suicide while waiting for PTSD treatment at a Colorado Springs VA facility. A whistleblower has alleged the facility might have falsified the veteran's medical records following his death.

"I appreciate the VA inspector general's response to our request to conduct a review of these serious allegations of the use of secret wait lists to manage veteran care," said Johnson. "As we've seen at VA facilities in Wisconsin, it is vital that allegations of wrongdoing at VA facilities be investigated promptly and thoroughly. Our veterans, the finest among us, deserve the best quality care. I look forward to reviewing the IG report when it is complete."

"I welcome the Inspector General's review of potential unauthorized wait lists and falsification of documents at VA facilities in Colorado," said Gardner. "These allegations are serious and therefore must be met with a thorough, comprehensive investigation. I remain committed to fighting for transparency and accountability from the VA, and I look forward to reviewing the Inspector General's findings."

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