IG criticizes VA’s handling of complaint
An inspector general inquiry has criticized Robert L. Wilkie, the secretary of veterans affairs, for a response that was “at a minimum unprofessional” after a female Navy veteran reported a sexual assault at a department hospital in Washington.
But the inquiry, according to a copy of the report made available Thursday, did not determine that Wilkie had attempted to discredit the woman who filed the complaint, or otherwise undermine her allegation by challenging her character or professionalism.
Michael J. Missal, the inspector general for the Department of Veterans Affairs, did express concern more broadly over what he said was an “immediate and persistent questioning of a veteran’s credibility” by some officials.