A candidate has finally nominated to fill the position of Veterans Affairs Inspector General. The President has tapped Michael Missal, a Washington attorney, due to his impressive track record of investigating corruption both in the public and private sector.
The role of the VA Inspector General is intended to conduct investigations to find abuse, negligence and deception within the VA. Ever since George Opfer resigned as Inspector General amid sharp criticism in December 2013, the role has not had a permanent occupant. Instead, the position has been filled using temporary appointments.
This is not the first time Missal has been asked by the government to investigate corruption. The Department of Justice appointed Missal to examine the negligent actions of New Century Financial Corp when it was going through bankruptcy. Missal also investigated WorldCom’s collapse in the early 2000s.
The Senate Select Committee on Ethics chose Missal to spearhead the examination of former Nevada Sen. John Ensign, who resigned during the investigation.
So far the reaction to the news of Missal’s nomination has been cautiously optimistic by critics of the VA. Groups like VA Truth Tellers said, “[We] are heartened to hear that President Obama has listened to the cries of whistleblowers, Congress, American taxpayers, and most of all, veterans.”
Missal still has to go through a lengthy Congressional confirmation hearing before he officially takes office. No date has been set for his confirmation hearing.
If you have questions about applying for veterans’ disability benefits or appealing the denial of your claim, we encourage you to contact Jan Dils Attorneys at Law immediately to find out how we can help. We offer 100% free initial consultations, either by phone or at one of our five West Virginia offices — in Parkersburg, Charleston, Logan, Huntington or Beckley — and Charlotte, NC.
