Some good news? VA whistleblowers, punished for revealing excessive opiate use and infestation, are exonerated

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. — Sat, 25 Jul 2015 08:52:44 -0400

These whistleblowers have now been exonerated by the office that investigates claims of retaliation against federal employees. The Office of Special Counsel announced this week that it has smoothed the way for the Department of Veterans Affairs to make amends to Thompson, Christensen and Honl with monetary settlements, reinstatements to their jobs and by purging their records of negative claims.

“Rather than silencing the messenger, supervisors can use disclosures as opportunities to address problems,” Special Counsel Carolyn Lerner said in a statement. “It’s an important sign of progress that the VA settled these cases and provided relief to the employees who suffered retaliation.”

The employees, who shared harrowing experiences with investigators of being ostracized, harassed and punished for reporting their concerns about mismanagement, have plenty of company. The special counsel’s office says it has helped more than 45 whistleblowers with claims of retaliation by VA in the last two years, by getting their jobs back and, in some cases, securing compensatory damages.

http://www.stripes.com/news/veterans/va-whistleblowers-punished-for-revealing-excessive-opiate-use-and-infestation-are-exonerated-1.359585

VA whistleblowers, punished for revealing excessive opiate use and infestation, are exonerated

The Office of Special Counsel announced this week that it has smoothed the way for the VA to make amends to Troy Thompson, Joseph Colon Christensen and Ryan Honl with monetary settlements, reinstatements to their jobs and by purging their records of negative claims.

Response by TSgt David L. made Jul 25 at 2015 9:03 AM

TSgt David L. — Sat, 25 Jul 2015 09:03:32 -0400

This is good news. Valid whistle blowers should be allowed to point out problems without fear of reprisal. As long as the claims are valid, not vindictive.

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Jul 25 at 2015 9:04 AM

SGM Steve Wettstein — Sat, 25 Jul 2015 09:04:31 -0400

At least the VA exonerated them in the end and paid them some money. I am kind of surprised they did that.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 25 at 2015 9:56 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Jul 2015 09:56:18 -0400

I'm glad to see the system worked. It would be better if system could improve the VA.

Response by LTC John Shaw made Jul 25 at 2015 10:01 AM

LTC John Shaw — Sat, 25 Jul 2015 10:01:52 -0400

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. Good to see people trying to do the right thing get something!
We all know there are likely hundreds who are still getting hosed for trying to help Veterans rather than line their own pockets, VA needs to change!

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 25 at 2015 11:06 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Jul 2015 11:06:22 -0400

It is good to read positive news surrounding the VA for once, perhaps this is a positive step toward correcting some of their wrongs.

Response by 1LT David Newman made Jul 27 at 2015 5:18 PM

1LT David Newman — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 17:18:50 -0400

That is interesting. I wonder what law firm they used. They aren't the only ones the VA has thrown under the bus.

Response by Cpl Franz Buhlmann made May 29 at 2016 9:28 PM

Cpl Franz Buhlmann — Sun, 29 May 2016 21:28:08 -0400

At this point it is too soon to sing praises for this.

The VA still fights veterans tooth and nail through the entire process. VA doctors are still forbidden to help veterans in establishing a real claim. Everyone seems so afraid that a veteran will get what they really deserve. Doctors also seem afraid to provide the veterans with the quality medical services that they need in a timely manner, if the provide them at all.