Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki placed Sharon Helman, the director of the Phoenix Veterans Affairs Health Care System, and a top deputy of hers on administrative leave pending the outcome of a probe into allegations of neglect that may have led to the deaths of veterans. “Providing veterans the quality care and benefits they have earned through their service is our only mission,” Shinseki said. “These allegations, if true, are absolutely unacceptable and if the Inspector General’s investigation substantiates these claims, swift and appropriate action will be taken.” The controversy centers upon a purported secret list of veterans’ names, intended to conceal the number of veterans awaiting treatment at the Phoenix facility. Some 40 veterans may have died as a result, accusers say.