Feds look into claim of unofficial VA wait lists in Colorado

http://www.militarytimes.com/articles/feds-look-into-claim-of-unofficial-va-wait-lists-in-colorado

Feds look into claim of unofficial VA wait lists in Colorado

By: Dan Elliott, The Associated Press, October 20, 2016

DENVER — Government investigators said they are examining allegations that Department of Veterans Affairs employees in Colorado kept unofficial lists of veterans waiting for health care that could conceal how long it takes to get an appointment, possibly broadening a nationwide scandal.

The VA's internal watchdog announced an audit in a letter Wednesday's to Republican Sens. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin and Cory Gardner of Colorado. The Associated Press obtained a copy of the letter. Johnson and Gardner asked for the inquiry after a whistleblower told them the lists were allegedly used at the Denver VA Medical Center and VA health clinics in Colorado Springs and the Denver suburb of Golden.

The inquiry by the VA's inspector general also will look into the whistleblower's allegations that records at the Colorado Springs clinic were falsified after a veteran committed suicide while awaiting treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder.
(snip)

Johnson and Gardner asked for the inquiry four weeks ago. Wednesday's letter from VA Inspector General Michael Missal was the first confirmation that the audit would be done.

In a statement, Gardner said he welcomed the inspector general's announcement. He called the allegations serious and said they should be reviewed thoroughly.
(snip)