Submit a Complaint
The OIG hotline is not meant as a primary crisis response line. If you are a veteran in crisis, or know of someone who needs immediate support, contact the VA's Veterans Crisis Line or visit https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/.
In Crisis?
Contact VA's Crisis Line
Tips for Submission
- Do not submit the same complaint more than once.
- Be as specific and concise as possible.
- Only provide details that you know firsthand. Do not include hearsay. When submitting a complaint, include who, what, when, where, why, and how.
- Complete every field on the OIG Hotline complaint form. If one of the fields is not applicable to your complaint, enter "N/A" in that field.
- Send copies, not originals, of supporting documents such as death certificates or divorce decrees. Any documents submitted as part of the hotline complaint become the property of the VA OIG and will not be returned.
- Do not send VA medical records. The VA OIG can directly access veterans' electronic health records.
- If you suspect a policy was violated, provide the title of the policy.
- Only submit specific documents and information requested. Ensure all requested attachments have been uploaded.
- Make sure you have uploaded any supporting documents before you submit your complaint. You will not be able to add documents to your complaint after selecting "Submit."
- When OIG hotline staff have reviewed your complaint, you may be asked to complete a “Permission to Disclose Complaint Information” form. Please review the form and write your initials next to the release of identity option that you have chosen. Please do not initial both lines.
- Only the complainant should sign the “Permission to Disclose Complaint Information” form. Do not allow someone else to sign the form on your behalf. When returning the form, do not send the same complaint or additional information.
- If you fax any documents, please include your mailing address or email address on each document.
- The OIG hotline does not handle compensation claims, pension claims, or appeals. To request the status of an open compensation claim, pension claim, or appeal, please call VBA at 1-800-827-1000 or call the VA Hotline at 1-855-948-2311.
Cases the OIG Does Not Act On
The OIG hotline does not act on complaints such as the following:
- Individual claims for disability or other benefits
- VA billing issues
- Discrimination, EEO, unfair labor practices
Other helplines for these and other concerns are included on the hotline FAQ.
I am providing the OIG with my name, and I agree that the VA OIG can disclose my name and other information I provide, if necessary, to ensure my issues are addressed. This level of confidentiality is appropriate for complainants seeking personal relief, such as veterans, dependents, and contractors, or for complainants comfortable being identified if needed regarding concerns involving VA programs and operations.
I wish to keep my identity confidential, meaning I am providing the OIG my name, but I request that my name not be disclosed outside the OIG. I understand that OIG employees may contact me to request additional information, if necessary. This category is appropriate for complainants who fear reprisal from the VA or other alleged wrongdoers for contacting the OIG.
I wish to remain anonymous, meaning the OIG will not know my name. If I make this selection, the OIG will not be able to contact me, the OIG may not have enough information to pursue my concern, and I may not be able to find out if a case was opened.
Sensitive Records
VA Employees should not provide any protected health information or personally identifiable information via this submission form. Instead, VA employees should transmit any sensitive information by telephone, secure fax, or registered mail, or contact the hotline for instructions on sending an encrypted email.
Use of Information
For information on routine uses of Hotline complaint information, see the 2019 System of Records Notice for VA OIG Hotline (Complaint Center) Records, which can be accessed from Federal Register Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records.