Rep. Valadao on VA Health Clinic Allegations

Press Release

Last week, Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki appeared before a Senate panel to testify about recent allegations that some Veterans Administration Health Clinics may be falsifying records to hide lengthy delays in care.
While the Department's Inspector General has launched an investigation and the Secretary has ordered audits of all VA health clinics, results of such audits have not yet been released. Late Tuesday, the office of the VA Inspector General reported that 26 facilities were being investigated nationwide over allegations of manipulated waiting times, falsified records, and other issues.

Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-21) stated, "I am deeply disturbed by the severe allegations that delays in care and false record-keeping at VA Medical Centers across our nation may have provided our veterans with inadequate treatment and even possibly resulted in death. It is our job as elected officials to speak up and fight for our constituents, especially those who have already given so much to their country. I take these allegations very seriously and believe we must take immediate action to protect the health and well-being of our nation's heroes."

On May 16, 2014, following Secretary Shinseki's orders for "face-to-face audits" of all VA clinics, Congressmen Valadao (CA-21), Devin Nunes (CA-22), Jim Costa (CA-16) sent a letter to Secretary Shinseki, requesting the results of the VA clinic audit, and specifically information related to the VA Central California Health Care System. The letter also requests the final findings of the Inspector General's review of the Fresno Medical Center.

"Our veterans have made immeasurable sacrifices for our nation and we are forever indebted to those brave men and women who have courageously served our country. I will work tirelessly to ensure that that we are caring for and supporting our veterans with the high quality healthcare they deserve," said Congressman Valadao.

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