Rep. Farenthold Discusses Investigation of Texas VA Clinics, Reported Misconduct with KORO Univision

U.S. Congressman Blake Farenthold (TX-27) spoke with KORO Univision 28 (Corpus Christi) after calling for an Inspector General investigation into allegations that Veterans Affairs (VA) officials in Central Texas manipulated medical appointment data in order to conceal long wait times for veterans seeking care. According to media reports, employees at the North Central Federal Clinic in San Antonio, the Austin VA Outpatient Clinic and Waco VA Medical Center were instructed by supervisors to ensure that wait times for veterans were as “close to zero days as possible.” A VA employee who recently worked at all three clinics claims that staffers falsely logged patients’ desired appointment dates to closely coincide with appointment openings. But in reality, veterans were left waiting for months. In a letter Tuesday, Congressman Farenthold and several members of the Texas delegation called on Veterans Affairs Acting Inspector General Richard Griffin to immediately initiate investigations into all three VA facilities and report back to Congress on his findings.

“I am outraged about the reports of delays and lies involving the treatment of veterans by the VA,” Congressman Farenthold recently stated. “The culture of disregard must change and that change should start at the top, with a new head that will put veterans first.”

Continued the Congressman, “I’m particularly alarmed by recent reports that these problems occurred in Texas, as well – where we expect veterans get the services they earned. I can assure you that I will continue pushing for answers and demanding the VA take swift action to address this issue.”

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