Perhaps this is why there is not a permanent VA IG? Acting VA inspector general steps down amid criticism

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. — Wed, 01 Jul 2015 09:19:06 -0400

Griffin has faced harsh words from critics in recent years for not doing enough to hold VA leadership accountable for problems regarding patient wait times, overprescribing by physicians, and medical records manipulation.

On Monday, a group called VA Truth Tellers blasted Griffin for a "pattern of whitewashing and deceit" and called for his resignation. Several lawmakers have also publicly berated the office in recent months for working too closely with VA officials instead of publicly exposing potential wrongdoing.

http://www.militarytimes.com/story/military/benefits/veterans/2015/06/30/acting-va-ig-retires/29525849/

Acting VA inspector general steps down amid criticism

Richard Griffin, who has served as the office's temporary leader for 18 months, will retire on July 4.

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Jul 1 at 2015 9:20 AM

SCPO David Lockwood — Wed, 01 Jul 2015 09:20:56 -0400

HMMMM. SMH!!

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jul 1 at 2015 9:28 AM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Wed, 01 Jul 2015 09:28:36 -0400

The only reason a problem exists is because no one wants to solve it. The VA has been the target of criticism and cynicism and investigation for generations of veterans and a thorn in the side of every presidential administration since Harry Truman (maybe even earlier) yet it and the care it provides remain problems. The white elephant is still in the room and isn't going anywhere soon because we keep feeding it. (or more likely starving it because we send the money it needs elsewhere)

Tell Obama to go sing "Amazing Grace" over at VA headquarters, maybe that will do something.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Jul 1 at 2015 9:57 AM

MSG Brad Sand — Wed, 01 Jul 2015 09:57:14 -0400

Good. I actually can respect a person who steps down when they are not doing the job. I guess he was not really acting the position?

How about we make a permanent position that reports to someone who has the power and authority to fix the problems? Oh, I am just such a silly duck.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jul 1 at 2015 12:14 PM

PO1 John Miller — Wed, 01 Jul 2015 12:14:15 -0400

IG's are supposed to identify problems and work with who they're inspecting to fix the problems. With that said, Griffin still should have done more to at least come up with a POA&M to resolve the bigger issues.

Response by PO2 Skip Kirkwood made Jul 1 at 2015 12:35 PM

PO2 Skip Kirkwood — Wed, 01 Jul 2015 12:35:46 -0400

The concept of an IG does not translate well in the civilian world.

A military IG has the interest of the "greater" service at heart, and if he finds problems, etc., he is going a good job.

In the civilian world, nobody has career loyalty to a greater service, and they typically get fired if they find problems. Look at the history of IGs for federal civilian departments, etc. FAA - don't want to hear about the antiquated air traffic control system. VA - don't want to fix the problems. All everybody seems to want is to keep their civilian jobs for life.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jul 1 at 2015 1:21 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 01 Jul 2015 13:21:17 -0400

The VA is like corrupt from top to bottom.

Response by 1SG William Childress Sr. (Ret) made May 9 at 2019 12:06 AM

1SG William Childress Sr. (Ret) — Thu, 09 May 2019 00:06:03 -0400

While on active duty, was an IG Inspector!!! Ethics and honor is not an option!!!

Response by SP6 Peter Kreutzfeldt made Jan 10 at 2021 7:09 PM

SP6 Peter Kreutzfeldt — Sun, 10 Jan 2021 19:09:06 -0500

The way I see it, at the VA the right hand has no clue what the left had is doing.