DAV calls for VA Secretary’s removal

After thoroughly reviewing the report issued last week by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) Office of Inspector General (OIG), DAV (Disabled American Veterans) no longer has confidence that Secretary Wilkie can effectively lead the department and calls for his immediate removal. DAV does not take this action lightly; but it is clear, based on the troubling findings and conclusions of the recent VA OIG report, that Secretary Wilkie’s personal actions in response to a reported incident of sexual assault at the Washington, D.C. VA Medical Center, breached the trust of those whom he is beholden to honor and serve. Rather than swiftly investigating the sexual assault allegations and focusing on preventing future incidents, Secretary Wilkie and other senior VA leaders took actions to investigate and disparage the veteran who was assaulted.