I travel to the VA regularly because my health status is not very good. I also OC every day, all day. When I travel to the VA I leave the weapon locked up, and retain the holster. On only one occasion, another patient turned me in for carrying a firearm.When I came out of my hearing exam, their was a bloody swat team waiting. Three in full body armor and two uniforms in tacticool. I was thoroughly searched and had a knife with a three inch blade confiscated. To ensure my disdain for the act, I offered up two more knives the thorough search missed. They demanded my weapon, I told them we would have to drive to my house to get it off the night table. They declined. They also mailed my little knives to me later.
I do not advocate breaking the law. I do support testing the boundaries. No one gets arrested (so far) for an empty holster. And, YES, I still wear the holster every time I go to the VA. If they complain, put your cell phone in it.