This is not unlike how police departments all over the US handle their crime stats and reporting.

The NYPD is specifically notorious for telling people who've been victims of serious crimes to "forget about it."

Why?

The precinct commanders want to keep their crimes stats low to make themselves look like heroes for the mayor who wants good press at any cost.

The difference with the VA is the huge quantities of drugs and expensive equipment that walks out of the doors of these places.