HOUSTON – After an in-depth investigation, the inspector general's office has found proof that a VA employee in Houston manipulated and falsified documents involving disability benefits for more than 100 local veterans.
Some veterans wait for years for benefit claims to be processed. Now this report shows one employee at Houston's VA regional office changed benefits claims paperwork for more than 100 local veterans.
The inspector general found starting in March 2014 that the employee manipulated, altered or falsified data in 136 out of 308 cases involving veterans benefits. The employee admitted altering data to improve his or her production numbers to make it look like they were doing a better job than they actually were.
Pritz Navaratnasigm is the director of Houston's VA regional office and he has been advised to take action in this case by the inspector general.
The inspector says: "We recommend the Houston VA regional office director take immediate action to fully review and correct all actions the employee took to clear, change or cancel veteran's claims."
Local 2 has been told officials at the Houston VA blew the whistle in this case, calling in the inspector general to investigate.
Luckily, the VA says this wrongdoing was uncovered and that none of those 136 vets will lose any of their benefits.
Local 2 Investigates has asked the VA regional office to comment on this report, but those officials have declined to go on camera or send a written statement.