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VA RIN: 2900-AN72 Publication ID: Spring 2011 
Title: Release of Information From Department of Veterans Affairs Records 
Abstract: This document revises the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA or Department) regulations governing the confidentiality and release of VA records subject to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552, including the Electronic Freedom of Information Act Amendments of 1996, Public Law 104-231 (October 2, 1996) (E-FOIA Act), and the Openness Promotes Effectiveness in our National Government Act of 2007, Public Law 110-175, 121 Stat. 2524 (Openness in Government Act). This rule sets forth a mechanism for the public to obtain information from the VA and is intended to maximize public availability of VA records to the extent permitted by law. Essentially these provisions will consist of restatements of statute, interpretations of statute, interpretations of Executive Orders, and clarification. These amendments also implement the E-FOIA Act, the Openness in Government Act 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 FOIA, the Privacy Act, and 38 U.S.C. 5701 and 5705. This will simplify decision-making by allowing the highest level individual with direct responsibility for information law subject matter 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: Final Rule Stage 
Major: No  Unfunded Mandates: No 
CFR Citation: 38 CFR 1.550 to 1.559    38 CFR 2.6   
Legal Authority: 5 USC 301    38 USC 501    38 USC 512    44 USC 3702   
Legal Deadline:  None
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
NPRM  10/14/2010  75 FR 63120   
NPRM Comment Period End  12/13/2010    
Final Action  10/00/2011    
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No  Government Levels Affected: None 
Small Entities Affected: No  Federalism: No 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 
Public Comment URL: www.Regulations.gov  
RIN Data Printed in the FR: No 
Agency Contact:
Amy Gbenou
Program Analyst, FOIA Service (005RIC)
Department of Veterans Affairs
810 Vermont Avenue NW,
Washington, DC 20420
Phone:202 461-7465
Email: amy.gbenou@va.gov