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
We encourage filing a FOIA electronically for faster processing. However, we accept hard copy mailed requests at:
Department of Veterans Affairs
Freedom of Infomation Act Services (005R1C)
811 Vermont Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20420
Office: 1-877-750-3642
Fax: 202-632-7581
How to File an Electronic FOIA Request
- VA Central Office (VACO) FOIA email
- Public Access Link (PAL)
- To file you must “Register”.
- Submit a proper request.
- Access the VA FOIA Reading Room for previously released documents.
- Request status updates on your submitted request.
- Learn about processing fees, fee waivers, and requester categories
- FOIA.gov
- Select “Create A Request.”
- If you have already filed a request and not satisfied with the response, you may file a FOIA Appeal.
How to 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)
- Ensuring all VA FOIA releases protect your privacy and others
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 |
