WASHINGTON — The top watchdog at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs confirmed Wednesday that his staff is investigating allegations of forgery and off-the-books recordkeeping at VA medical facilities in Colorado.

In a letter to U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner — who requested the inquiry last month with Ron Johnson of Wisconsin — VA Inspector General Michael Missal acknowledged that his team is trying to determine whether agency personnel kept unofficial waitlists for patient care at VA offices in Denver, Golden and Colorado Springs.

The VA Office of Inspector General also said it is investigating whether Colorado officials falsified records following the suicide of a veteran who did not receive timely care for post-traumatic stress disorder.

Both accusations stem from a whistleblower who came forward earlier this year and since has claimed the VA has tried to retaliate. The letter from Missal did not mention any inquiry into that specific accusation.

“The circumstances regarding the alleged document falsification as well as the alleged use of unofficial wait lists are now under review by OIG staff,” Missal wrote. “Upon completion of our review, we will make every effort to share whatever information we can in accordance with applicable law.”

Gardner said he welcomes the investigation. “These allegations are serious and therefore must be met with a thorough, comprehensive investigation. I remain committed to fighting for transparency and accountability from the VA, and I look forward to reviewing the Inspector General’s findings,” he said in a statement.