I think that's really poor form. Fair enough if it's a grey area and they make a decision not to admit at the door, and have a reason for this and stick to it. But to actually have had 3 actions to admit someone:

1. You explained the situation and they said that was fine
2. The light went green when he scanned his own BP
3. The lounge attendant stated he had access anyway as a VA Plat

...and to then make a call and boot them out. That's really poor. Even if he was given access incorrectly, in that situation you would just have to suck it up if you've already let someone in.