“While I was in Los Angeles, engaging a homeless individual to determine his Veteran status, I asked the man where he had served in the military,” McDonald said in a statement released to Military Times late Monday night. “He responded that he had served in special forces. I incorrectly stated that I had been in special forces. That was inaccurate and I apologize to anyone that was offended by my misstatement.

“I have great respect for those who have served our nation in special forces.”

McDonald took charge of the VA this past summer from retired Army Gen. Eric Shinseki, who resigned amid a scandal involving widespread problems with VA patient care.