Granted, there are departmental policies meant to prevent this sort of eventuality from happening. Indeed, documents require signatures from several persons before they can be destroyed. But as the inspector general’s report shows, this rule is so poorly enforced that it might as well not exist:
‘In our review of these 10 VAROs, we found 69 claims-related documents improperly scheduled for destruction,’ the IG report added. ‘However, the potential effect on veterans should not be minimized. Considering that there are 56 VAROs and if weekly shredding is conducted, it is highly likely that claims-related documents at other VAROs are being improperly scheduled for destruction that could result in loss of claims and evidence, incorrect decisions, and delays in claims processing.’
To prevent inappropriate shredding, both the employee and supervisor are supposed to sign off on documents slated for destruction. Out of all 69 claims-related documents examined by the IG, not a single had all the signatures necessary as laid out by policy.
The VA IG released a report in August 2015 assessing claims shredding at the Los Angeles regional office, at which point it was revealed the practice had been occurring since at least 2008. That’s the year the VA decided to create the position of Records Management Officer. Despite the creation of a new position, documents are still being shredded.”
Source: Daily Caller
Those involved should have there checks shredded!