 In the following years, the office was repeatedly criticized for allegedly retaliating against whistleblowers and failing in its mission to hold executives accountable.In September 2017, the VA declared its intent to abolish a 1960s conflict of interest rule prohibiting employees from owning any stock, performing any service, or doing any work at for-profit colleges; arguing that, for example, the 1960s rule prohibits VA doctors from teaching veterans at for-profit universities with special advantages for veterans.On 26 September 2018, Sec.