VA reduced proposed demotion

Our client worked for the federal government for more than 25 years.  The U.S. Dpeartment of Veterans Affairs (VA) proposed to demote our client for conduct unbecoming.  The charges alleged that our client made inappropriate comments to subordinates.  We submitted a written response and represented the client at the oral reply.  In our response, we argued that the client did not engage in the alleged misconduct and that the proposed penalty of demotion was unreasonably harsh.  We also argued that the agency discriminated against our client based on his sex.  The deciding official mitigated the proposed demotion to a reprimand.