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VA RIN: 2900-AM76 Publication ID: Fall 2008 
Title: Release of Information From Department of Veterans Affairs Records 
Abstract: This document amends Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) regulations governing the confidentiality and release of VA records subject to the Privacy Act, 5 U.S.C. 552a, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (including the Electronic Freedom of Information Act Amendments of 1996, Pub. L. No. 104-231), 5 U.S.C. 552, and the veteransÂ’ records confidentiality statute (section 5701), 38 U.S.C. 5701. This final rule sets forth a mechanism for the public to obtain information from the VA. This final rule is intended to maximize public availability of VA records to the extent permitted by law and considerations such as personal privacy or law enforcement. Essentially these provisions consist of restatements of statute, interpretations of statute, interpretations of case law, interpretations of Executive Orders, and clarification. The final rule amendments also implement the Electronic Freedom of Information Act Amendments of 1996, Public Law No. 104-231 (October 2, 1996), court decisions, and executive branch guidance issued since the regulations were originally published. Further, this document delegates authority to the Assistant General Counsel for Professional Staff Group IV for making final departmental decisions on appeals under the Freedom of Information Act, the Privacy Act, and 38 U.S.C. 5701 and 5705. This simplifies decisionmaking by allowing the highest level individual with direct responsibility for decisionmaking to issue decisions. 
Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs(VA)  Priority: Info./Admin./Other 
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Completed Actions 
Major: No  Unfunded Mandates: No 
CFR Citation: 38 CFR 1.550 to 1.559   
Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a)   
Legal Deadline:  None
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
Withdrawn  11/06/2008    
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No  Government Levels Affected: None 
Small Entities Affected: No  Federalism: No 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 
RIN Information URL: Lizzette.Katilius@va.gov   Public Comment URL: www.Regulations.gov  
RIN Data Printed in the FR: No 
Agency Contact:
Ms Lizzette Katilius
Management Analyst
Department of Veterans Affairs
810 Vermont Avenue NW,
Washington, DC 20420
Phone:202 461-7458
Email: lizzette.katilius@va.gov