VA Notice 25-18: Leadership Concurrence on Draft Office of Inspector General (OIG) Reports

On September 29, 2025, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) issued a policy (VA Notice 25-18) titled "Concurrence on Draft Office of Inspector General (OIG) Reports" that required the VA's leadership to "approve" any draft Inspector General report when "there is a VA leadership interest." The relevant part of the policy states that the "VA Office of the Secretary, Administrations, and Staff Offices are responsible for comprehensive, on time responses to OIG draft reports. Draft OIG report responses require VA Chief of Staff (COSVA) approval when the draft report includes one of more of the following: (1) Secretary priorities as listed in the VA Strategic Plan; (2) If there is a recommendation for or finding about the COSVA, Deputy Secretary, or Secretary; (3) Reports that involve more than one Administration or Staff Office; and/or (4) The Under Secretary or Assistant Secretary determines there is VA leadership interest."