VA 'dumped' patient at shelter with urine bottle and screaming for help

Los Angeles says VA 'dumped' patient at shelter
Veterans Affairs says its inquiries found no evidence the man was sent to the shelter against his will or without the ability to care for himself. The city attorney says the VA blocked a probe.

By Alexandra Zavis and Richard Winton, Times Staff Writers
August 14, 2011

The graying veteran in a wheelchair was found in the parking lot of a Westside cold weather shelter wearing hospital pants, carrying a urine bottle and screaming for help.

Senior officials at the Los Angeles city attorney's office say they believe James Boykin was "dumped" Dec. 1 at the shelter after his toe was removed at the nearby Department of Veterans Affairs medical center because of a bone infection. Moreover, according to city prosecutors, VA officials blocked an investigation that could have shed light on whether there were other similar incidents.

"This was an unprecedented interference with an investigation," said Jeffrey B. Isaacs, who heads the office's criminal and special litigation branch.

VA officials strongly dispute the allegations involving Boykin, adding that the city does not have authority to conduct a criminal investigation on federal property. Three internal inquiries and an investigation by the VA's Office of Inspector General found no evidence that Boykin was sent to the shelter against his will or without the means and ability to care for himself.
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