September 9, 2025
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In a recent conversation with Francis Rose on the Fed Gov Today Podcast, Tom Costa, Director of Education, Workforce, and Income Security at the Government Accountability Office (GAO), sheds light on how VA manages whistleblower retaliation cases—and where the system falls short.
Costa explains that GAO looks at several key factors: the number of retaliation cases filed, how long they last, their outcomes, and the settlement agreements that often follow. He notes that the number of cases has fluctuated since 2020. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, filings dipped as employees worked remotely. Now, as more staff return to the office, cases are rising again.
One of the main challenges, Costa says, is inconsistency between the data maintained by VA and the Office of Special Counsel (OSC). These two entities report different numbers of cases and different details about how they are resolved. Costa stresses that this is not just a technical issue. Without a complete and accurate picture, VA cannot ensure whistleblowers receive the remedies they are promised. GAO recommends that VA and OSC improve their coordination and share data more effectively.
Another major concern, Costa points out, is follow-through. While VA records that a settlement has been reached, it does not consistently track whether corrective actions are actually carried out. For example, if a whistleblower is supposed to be restored to a previous position or if a supervisor is required to complete additional training, there is no system in place to make sure those steps happen. Whistleblowers told GAO that in some cases, they had to push the agency repeatedly to implement agreed-upon actions.
According to Costa, part of the problem is structural. The Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection (OAWP) reviews
Costa also shares insights from GAO’s conversations with whistleblowers and settlement officials. Most of the whistleblower cases come from the Veterans Health Administration, which means many involve healthcare practices that could directly affect veterans’ well-being. Whistleblowers describe the process as stressful, costly, and often stacked against them. Some report continuing retaliation even while they pursue their cases. Despite the challenges, most say they would step forward again because of the importance of raising concerns.
On the other side, officials involved in negotiating settlements express mixed views about whether they have the training and resources needed to manage these cases. Some feel prepared, while others admit they do not. Costa says this variation adds to the inconsistency in how cases are handled.
Costa emphasizes that whistleblowers serve a critical function by identifying problems that could otherwise remain hidden. Protecting them requires more than policies on paper—it demands accurate data, clear authority, and reliable follow-through. GAO’s recommendations, he says, are designed to help VA close those gaps and strengthen trust in the system.
You can read GAO's full report here