In Re:
Velena West vs. V.A, DAB Case 51 (2012), Attorney Eric L. Pines represented a Nurse at the Michael Debakey Houston VA Hospital before the VA Disciplinary Appeals Board. The case went to a three-day hearing before a board of three nurse peers. The nurse was wrongfully accused of mistreating a veteran. The testimony included 15 witnesses. Specifically, the director of the VA Hospital, Mr. Adam Walmus, was convincingly cross-examined by attorney Pines. Ultimately, The Board felt that Mr. Walmus should have presented the nurse with his findings and given her the opportunity to respond to the charges. The Board ultimately decided 100% in favor of the Appellant. She is to receive full back-pay and the suspension will be removed from her records in its entirety. A petition for attorneys’ fees is pending.