Review of Leaders’ Actions Affecting Clinical Services at the Syracuse VA Medical Center in New York

Hotline Inspection Results: The VA OIG initiated this healthcare inspection to assess allegations regarding reduced availability of clinical services, poor communication from leaders, and staff resignations. We substantiated reductions in clinical services, including the closure of the neurosurgery program and lapses in infectious disease and endocrinology service contracts.

Review of Leaders’ Actions Affecting Clinical Services at the Syracuse VA Medical Center in New York

January 15, 2026

Hotline Inspection Results: The VA OIG initiated this healthcare inspection to assess allegations regarding reduced availability of clinical services, poor communication from leaders, and staff resignations. We substantiated reductions in clinical services, including the closure of the neurosurgery program and lapses in infectious disease and endocrinology service contracts.

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Review of VHA’s Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence

The VA OIG works to maintain transparency of its oversight work by disclosing identified risks to veterans, the public, VA, and Congress. In October 2025, the VA OIG initiated a national review of VHA’s use of generative artificial intelligence. Given the critical nature of the issue, the VA OIG is broadly sharing this preliminary result advisory memorandum so that VHA leaders are aware of this risk to patient safety.

Stethoscope Graphic, Office of Healthcare Inspections

Review of VHA’s Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence

January 15, 2026

The VA OIG works to maintain transparency of its oversight work by disclosing identified risks to veterans, the public, VA, and Congress. In October 2025, the VA OIG initiated a national review of VHA’s use of generative artificial intelligence. Given the critical nature of the issue, the VA OIG is broadly sharing this preliminary result advisory memorandum so that VHA leaders are aware of this risk to patient safety.

Click to Read the Memorandum

National Review of Mental Health Integration and Suicide Risk Identification in Audiology Clinic Settings

The VA OIG strives to issue recommendations that help VA deliver high-quality health care. We conducted a national review of VHA’s suicide risk and intervention training, suicide risk screening practices, and implementation of progressive tinnitus management in audiology. The review found that leaders did not identify audiologists as clinical staff, leading to incorrect suicide risk and intervention training assignments.

National Review of Mental Health Integration and Suicide Risk Identification in Audiology Clinic Settings

January 13, 2026

The VA OIG strives to issue recommendations that help VA deliver high-quality health care. We conducted a national review of VHA’s suicide risk and intervention training, suicide risk screening practices, and implementation of progressive tinnitus management in audiology. The review found that leaders did not identify audiologists as clinical staff, leading to incorrect suicide risk and intervention training assignments.

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Supplemental Review of VHA Recruitment, Relocation, and Retention Incentive Service Obligations

The VA OIG is committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity. We conducted a supplemental review of service obligations for VHA’s recruitment, relocation, and retention and found that some VA employees breached their required service obligations. During fiscal years 2020–2023, VA did not initiate debt notices to at least 1,100 employees, resulting in about $17.5 million paid for breached service obligations.

Supplemental Review of VHA Recruitment, Relocation, and Retention Incentive Service Obligations

January 13, 2026

The VA OIG is committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity. We conducted a supplemental review of service obligations for VHA’s recruitment, relocation, and retention and found that some VA employees breached their required service obligations. During fiscal years 2020–2023, VA did not initiate debt notices to at least 1,100 employees, resulting in about $17.5 million paid for breached service obligations.

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Mississippi Woman Pleads Guilty to VA Fiduciary Fraud

The VA OIG is committed to fighting fraud. A Mississippi woman pleaded guilty to misusing VA money intended to benefit her son, a service-connected disabled veteran. This misappropriation included purchasing a vehicle, paying bills, and taking trips when the beneficiary was not living with her.

Mississippi Woman Pleads Guilty to VA Fiduciary Fraud

January 9, 2026

The VA OIG is committed to fighting fraud. A Mississippi woman pleaded guilty to misusing VA money intended to benefit her son, a service-connected disabled veteran. This misappropriation included purchasing a vehicle, paying bills, and taking trips when the beneficiary was not living with her.

Click to Read the Investigative Update