VA announces new process for responding to Privacy Act requests
Oct. 21, 2019, 10:02:00 AM
VA announces new process for responding to Privacy Act requests
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) implemented a new process Oct. 1 for responding to Privacy Act requests from claimants received by the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) for access to their claims files.
VA has amended its process for those requesting their own information while respecting the privacy rights of third-parties by redacting third-party personally identifiable information (PII) from the claims files.
“VA is committed to providing Veterans prompt access to their claim records increasing transparency and improving customer service,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “It’s imperative that we protect files containing sensitive and personal information.
VBA is required by the Privacy Act to allow Veterans -- or their representatives -- the opportunity to review or make copies of claims files.
Under this new process, VA does not anticipate delays in forwarding copies of claims files to Veterans or their designated representatives.
###
Disclaimer of Hyperlinks
The appearance of external hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Veterans Affairs of the linked web sites, or the information, products or services contained therein. For other than authorized VA activities, the Department does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find at these locations. All links are provided with the intent of meeting the mission of the Department and the VA website. Please let us know about existing external links which you believe are inappropriate and about specific additional external links which you believe ought to be included by emailing newmedia@va.gov.
People wishing to receive e-mail from VA with the latest news releases and updated fact sheets can subscribe to the
VA Office of Public Affairs Distribution List.