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Freedom Of Information Act FOIA

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Department of Veterans Affairs
Freedom of Information Act Services (005R1C) 
811 Vermont Avenue, NW 
Washington, DC 20420
Office: 1-877-750-3642
FAX: 202-632-7581

FOIA Liaison Officer: Jalil Riahi
Phone: 202-322-3652  
FOIA Banner
 

What is The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)?

Through FOIA, you may acquire transparency to records and files maintained by a Federal agency. You may access information regarding the activities of Federal agencies by filing a FOIA request. 

However, “all records” maintained by a federal agency are not releasable. FOIA has nine exemption codes, including a host of federal statutes, federal agencies can use to withhold information protected from release. For more information on protected records, please use the Regulations and Policies section below.

How to File a Hardcopy FOIA Request

We encourage filing a FOIA electronically for faster processing. However, we accept hard copy mailed requests at:

Department of Veterans Affairs
Freedom of Information Act Services (005R1C) 
811 Vermont Avenue, NW 
Washington, DC 20420
Office: 1-877-750-3642
Fax: 202-632-7581

File an Electronic FOIA Request

 1. Public Access Link (PAL)
 
  1. To file you must “Register”.
  2. Submit a proper request.
  3. Access the VA FOIA Reading Room for previously released documents.
  4. Request status updates on your submitted request.
  5. Learn about processing fees, fee waivers, and requester categories
 2. FOIA.gov for Specific VA Action Office Records
  If you are searching for records regarding: 
  1. Next of kin
  2. Compensation and Pension Benefits
  3. Treatment at a medical facility
 3. If you have already filed a request and not satisfied with the response, you may file a FOIA Appeal.

Check the Status of Requests:

VA FOIA Services Goals to Best Serve You

 
  • Ensuring our team receives, date-stamps, and acknowledges your FOIA requests
  • Providing transparency according to law at the highest level possible
  • Initiating timely proactive disclosures by releasing documents via our PAL
  • Providing responsive records quickly and efficiently with password protection capability
  • Providing guidance through the FOIA Liaison
  • Ensuring VA policies comply with Federal regulatory requirements and legislative mandates and are consistent throughout each VA Administration (Veterans Health Administration, Veterans Benefits Administration, and National Cemetery Administration)

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Regulations and Policies

CFR 38 Part 1 & 2 Release of Information from DVA Records
CFR 1.460 - 1.474 Release of Information from DVA Records (Drug Abuse)
CFR 1.475 - 1.484 Disclosures With Patient Consent
CFR 1.485 - 1.489 Disclosures Without Patient Consent
CFR 1.490 - 1.499 Court Orders Authorizing Disclosures and Use
CFR 1.500 - 1.527 Release of Information from DVA Claimant Records
CFR 1.575 - 1.584 Safeguarding Personal Information in DVA Records

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  • Benefits:
    1-800-827-1000
  • Health Care:
    1-877-222-VETS (8387)
  • VA Inspector General: 1-800-488-8244
  • Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 Press 1

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