IG Missal Reflects on Inspector General 45th Anniversary and Latest Semiannual Report to Congress
Veteran Oversight NowShow Notes
In the latest episode of Veteran Oversight Now, VA Inspector General Michael J. Missal shares his thoughts on changes to federal oversight since the passage of the Inspector General Act in 1978, which established 12 presidentially appointed IGs in federal departments with a mission to provide independent oversight. The VA OIG was one of the original 12. He also discusses the VA OIG’s latest Semiannual Report to Congress that covered oversight work from April 1 to September 30, 2023. This edition also includes highlights of the VA OIG’s work from October 2023.
“As only the sixth Senate-confirmed VA Inspector General over the past 45 years, it is truly an honor and privilege to work on behalf of veterans and taxpayers. It is also a real honor and privilege to work with all of our staff to meet our mission of meaningful independent oversight. We had a great fiscal year 2023 and we look forward to an even more impactful fiscal year 2024.” – VA Inspector General Michael J. Missal
Related Reports: VA’s Compliance with the VA Transparency & Trust Act of 2021 Semiannual Report: September 2023 Manufacturers Failed to Make Some Drugs Available to Government Agencies at a Discount as Required Review of Access to Telehealth and Provider Experience in VHA Prior to and During the COVID-19 Pandemic Read the VA OIG's 90th Semiannual Report to Congress.
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Each month, the VA Office of Inspector General publishes highlights of our oversight reports, congressional testimony, and investigative work. In August 2025, the VA OIG published 17 reports that included 72 recommendations to VA.
The Honorable Cheryl L. Mason was confirmed by the Senate as the inspector general of the VA on July 31, 2025, and shortly after being sworn in, took up her leadership of the VA OIG on August 4. IG Mason previously served as the chairman of the Board of Veterans’ Appeals at VA. For more information on IG Mason, see her bio.
Each month, the VA Office of Inspector General publishes highlights of our oversight reports, congressional testimony, and investigative work. In June 2025, the VA OIG published nine reports that included 81 recommendations. Report topics varied from an evaluation of VA’s governance of recruitment, relocation, and retention incentives awarded for VHA positions to mental health inspections of the VA Salem Healthcare System in Virginia and the VA Philadelphia Healthcare System in Pennsylvania.
Each month, the VA Office of Inspector General publishes highlights of our oversight reports, congressional testimony, and investigative work. In May 2025, the VA OIG published 11 reports that included 54 recommendations. Report topics varied from an audit of the VHA’s Pain Management, Opioid Safety, and Prescription Drug Monitoring Program to a healthcare inspection to assess allegations of deficiencies in the emergency department care provided to a patient at the Martinsburg VA Medical Center in West Virginia.
This Semiannual Report to Congress summarizes the independent oversight efforts of the VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) from October 1, 2024, through March 31, 2025. Visit the VA OIG's website to read the full report.