Administrative Investigation Travel Irregularities and Misuse of Funds Veterans Integrated Service Network 7 Atlanta, Georgia

Ms. Linda Watson, Network Director of VISN 7, routinely spent excessive time in a temporary duty travel status by departing her temporary duty site later than officially necessary and, less frequently, arriving at her temporary duty site earlier than officially necessary, incurring unnecessary lodging and per diem expenses; claimed and received improper travel reimbursements; received improper mileage reimbursements; wasted travel funds; misused her official time, the Government travel charge card issued to her, and the Government contract with airline carriers in conjunction with official travel; and she improperly retained $7,095 erroneously paid to her as a duplicate payment. VISN staff involved in procuring meals and refreshments for VA employees attending these VISN-sponsored meetings failed to ensure funds were used in accordance with applicable Federal law and regulations, legal opinions, and VA policy, and the VISN’s former Chief Financial Officer gave the VISN Deputy Director erroneous information about using appropriated funds to feed employees at their duty station.