Opinion ID: 409401
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: The Burden of Proof Issue.

Text: 7 Alley argues that the Board erred by requiring the VA Medical Center to prove by a preponderance of the evidence Alley's alleged unacceptable job performance. Alley argues that the correct standard is the substantial evidence test. This argument is without merit. Even if the Board misapplied the burden of proof by requiring the VA Medical Center to prove by a preponderance of the evidence that Alley was guilty of unacceptable job performance, this mistake was harmless and inured to the benefit of Alley, because the standard applied was more burdensome than the standard Alley suggests. 8 Alley also argues that the Board erred by requiring him to prove by a preponderance of the evidence that the demotion was a reprisal for whistleblowing. 1 Alley argues that the standard of proof required of employees who are attempting to show that an otherwise legitimate employer action is impermissible because it constitutes a reprisal for whistleblowing should be the substantial evidence test. We reject this contention. The Board has ruled previously that the standard of proof required of the affected employees in such cases is the preponderance of evidence test, Shockro v. Federal Communications Commission, MSPB Docket No. DC035109067 (Mar. 9, 1981), and we find nothing in Alley's argument which suggests this view is incorrect. 9