Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and pursuant to guidance received from the Office of Management and Budget, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Offices have implemented maximum telework flexibilities to protect its employees and their communities.
During this time, personnel will not have access to requests submitted to FOIA Offices via hard copy mail. There will be a delay in response to such correspondence and processing of requests. We encourage you to file your new request(s) via email or you can "start your request" via the National FOIA Portal. (Note: Please read the instructions carefully to ensure your submission is delivered to the correct agency and department).
To confirm receipt of a previously filed request, or for status inquiries, please contact us.
What is Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA)?
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) states that any person has a right of access to Federal agency records, except to the extent that such records are protected from release by a FOIA exemption or a special law enforcement record exclusion.
To learn more about FOIA Law, Guidance, and VA FOIA Regulations and Policies select the content inside the tabbed menu.
VA FOIA Service Office Responsibilities:
- Provides Oversight
- Ensures VA policies comply with Federal Regulatory Requirements and Legislative mandates
- Promotes those policies throughout the VA
- Ensures the release of information to the fullest extent under the law
FOIA Law
The Freedom of Information Act, as amended 5 U.S.C. 552
Attorney General's Memorandum on FOIA
FOIA Guidance
DOJ FOIA Guide
Department of Justice FOIA
Department of Justice Guidance on the FOIA Improment Act of 2016
Regulations and Policies
| VA Directive 6213 | Records and Information Management - 09/15/21 |
| VA Handbook 6300.3 | Procedures for Implementing the FOIA 01/12/98 |
| 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 |
| V03208266 Memo SI Notification Process | Memo SI Notification Process |
| FOIA Redaction Memo | FOIA Redaction Memo |
