Review of Cincinnati VA Medical Center Beneficiary Travel Office Allegations

We reviewed the validity of allegations of mismanagement and fraud at the Cincinnati VA Medical Center (VAMC) Beneficiary Travel Office (BTO). The Beneficiary Travel program provides reimbursements to offset travel costs associated with obtaining VA health care services. We partially or fully validated four of nine allegations, and identified processing inconsistencies in the BTO. BTO staff approved some travel reimbursement claims for uncompleted medical appointments, and approved travel vouchers associated with patient-cancelled and no show appointments that staff preprinted prior to the beneficiaries’ appointments. We also identified one occurrence where a beneficiary was inappropriately approved travel reimbursement to the Cincinnati VAMC, and determined a former supervisor improperly authorized wheelchair van services under an expired contract. We could not validate allegations of mileage reimbursements based on incorrect residence addresses or beneficiaries not incurring eligible expenses. We could not validate allegations that staff approved special mode of transportation services for ineligible beneficiaries. We recommended the Cincinnati VAMC Director improve controls and oversight of BTO operations and resolve remaining unpaid special mode of transportation invoices. The Cincinnati VAMC Director concurred with all recommendations. Based on actions taken, we consider all recommendations closed.