The VA whistle-blower that made allegations about improper care at the Altoona James E. Van Zandt Medical Center is the focus of a three day hearing.

He claims he faces retaliation since outed as the whistleblower.

The hearing started at nine in the morning Monday and wrapped up shortly after 5 o’clock. This is only day one of testimony for James DeNofrio’s case.

DeNofrio claims he is facing retaliation since he blew the whistle on allegations at the VA.

His lawyer Stephen Wicks says hes missed out on promotions he had applied for and is treated differently by staff.

Witnesses testified that they were ordered not to speak to DeNofrio.

He also claimed he was taken off of committees that was as part of his job.

Wicks says another source of retaliation had to do with DeNofrios health when he was treated at the center.

“They inserted a diagnosis into his medical record onto his problem list for a mental disorder, a cognitive disorder, without any clinical findings. The doctor who it did it is an internist – not a psychologist, psychiatrist ,or neurologist and then they circulated that amongst employers at the VA.”

In a statement the VA said, “The Merit System Protection board process is available to all federal employees and VA fully supports the process. We must protect whistle blowers and create workplace environments that enable full participation of employees. Intimidation or retaliation against any employee who raises a hand to identify a problem, make a suggestion, or report what may be violation in law, policy or our core values in unacceptable at VA.”

DeNofrio will be cross examined by Tuesday morning followed by VA witness testimony.