The Department of Veterans Affairs has settled a whistleblower retaliation complaint with former Phoenix VA employee Brandon Coleman. He’s now back at work after spending 18 months on paid administrative leave.
Coleman came forward as a whistle blower in 2014 when he disclosed allegations that the Phoenix VA wasn’t adequately monitoring suicidal veterans who entered the emergency room.
Coleman began his new position with the agency as an addiction therapist at a community outpatient clinic in Anthem this week. He said he’s excited to get back to work and adds he doesn’t regret his decision to become a whistleblower.
"Because of my disclosures many things have changed at the Phoenix VA and the ER. They now have time locked doors so veterans can’t simply just walk out once they’ve been deemed suicidal," said Coleman. "They now do little things like get them to change into hospital gowns from their street clothes."
The terms of the settlement agreement are confidential. In a statement, the office of special counsel said Coleman “deserves our thanks for his efforts to improve care for veterans at the Phoenix VA.”
