Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection
The Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection (OAWP) promotes and improves accountability within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
- The office receives and investigates:
- Allegations of misconduct and poor performance against VA senior leaders.
- Allegations of whistleblower retaliation against VA supervisors.
- The office receives whistleblower disclosures from VA employees and applicants for VA employment, and if they do not involve whistleblower retaliation or senior leader misconduct or poor performance, refers it for investigation within VA while the office monitors the investigation.
- Disclosures involving classified information or information otherwise protected by law are only protected when reported to the OIG, the OSC, or an employee designated to receive such disclosures. Contact the OSC or the OIG for more information.
- The office is responsible for tracking and confirming VA’s implementation of recommendations from audits and investigations carried out by VA’s Office of Inspector General, VA’s Office of the Medical Inspector, the U.S. Office of Special Counsel, and the U.S. Government Accountability Office.
- The office educates employees and stakeholders on whistleblower rights and protections.
- Confused about The Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection (OAWP)? The Whistleblower Navigator provides information about whistleblower rights and protections, The Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection (OAWP) policies and processes to whistleblowers, respondents, and other stakeholders. The Whistleblower Navigator is here to facilitate The Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection (OAWP) communication, coordination and collaboration. For more information, email WhistleblowerHelp@va.gov or contact us by phone at (202) 461-4500.
Contact Us
- Call us at 855-429-6669
- Email us at OAWP@va.gov
- Email Whistleblower Help at WhistleblowerHelp@va.gov
OAWP by the Numbers (FY24)*
18
Recommendations were issued by the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection
2
disciplinary recommendations issued against VA senior leaders for misconduct or poor performance
1
disciplinary recommendations issued against senior leaders and supervisors for whistleblower retaliation
15
non-disciplinary recommendations issued
0
relief for other prohibited personnel practice, VA policy violation, or due process issue
OAWP by the Numbers FY23*
72
Recommendations were issued by the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection
17
disciplinary recommendations issued against VA senior leaders for misconduct or poor performance
3
disciplinary recommendations issued against senior leaders and supervisors for whistleblower retaliation
47
non-disciplinary recommendations issued
5
relief for other prohibited personnel practice, VA policy violation, or due process issue
*As of October 2023, OAWP is reporting numbers on a Fiscal Year not Calendar Year basis.
Page last updated on November 6, 2023
VA Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection
An official website of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
We’re here anytime, day or night - 24/7
If you are a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one, connect with our caring, qualified responders for confidential help. Many of them are Veterans themselves.
- Call 988 and press 1
- Text to 838255
- Chat confidentially now
- Call TTY if you have hearing loss 1-800-799-4889
Get more resources at VeteransCrisisLine.net.