Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records, 4138-4150 [2019-02315]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 31 (Thursday, February 14, 2019)]
[Notices]
[Pages 4138-4150]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-02315]



[[Page 4138]]

=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS


Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records

AGENCY: Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

ACTION: Notice of Modified System of Records.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: As required by the Privacy Act of 1974, notice is hereby given 
that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) proposes to modify an 
existing system of records, Compensation, Pension, Education, and 
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Records--VA'' (58VA21/22/28).

DATES: Comments on this modified system of records must be received no 
later than 30 days after date of publication in the Federal Register. 
If no public comment is received during the period allowed for comment 
or unless otherwise published in the Federal Register by VA, the 
modified system of records will become effective a minimum of 30 days 
after date of publication in the Federal Register. If VA receives 
public comments, VA shall review the comments to determine whether any 
changes to the notice are necessary.

ADDRESSES: Written comments may be submitted through https://www.regulations.gov/; by mail or hand-delivery to Director, Regulation 
Policy and Management (00REG), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 
Vermont Ave. NW, Room 1064, Washington, DC 20420; or by fax to (202) 
273-9026 (not a toll-free number). Comments should indicate that they 
are submitted in response to 58VA21/22/28. Copies of comments received 
will be available for public inspection in the Office of Regulation 
Policy and Management, Room 1063B, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 
4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday (except holidays). Please call (202) 
461-4902 for an appointment. (This is not a toll-free number.) In 
addition, comments may be viewed online at https://www.regulations.gov/.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael F. Palmer, Program Analyst, 
Office of Business Process Integration, Department of Veterans Affairs, 
810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 (336) 251-0392.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This system of records contains information 
regarding applicants for and beneficiaries of benefits chiefly 
administered by the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA). This system 
is a core system for VBA programs. This system of records does not 
directly address health or memorial benefits administered respectively 
by the Veterans Health Administration or the National Cemetery 
Administration, the other two of the three Administrations within VA. 
This system was first published on March 3, 1976, and last amended on 
July 19, 2012, to include the addition of the Veterans Benefits 
Management System (VBMS) to this existing system of records, the 
establishment of the electronic claims folder (e-Folder) as the copy of 
record for Veterans claims processing; management, adjudication, and 
appeals; and to dispose of paper contents of a claims folder after the 
folder is electronically imaged. VBMS is the well-established, 
automated, fully electronic, Web-based claims processing system serving 
as the cornerstone of VBA's successful transition to paperless claims 
processing.
    Expanding on the Department of Veterans Affairs System of Records 
Notification (SORN) of July 19, 2012, the Department proposes to 
reaffirm the establishment of the e-Folder as the official record for 
Veterans claims processing, management, adjudication, and appeals, and 
proposes the plan to properly dispose of paper duplicate copies and 
other physical media after imaging and upload into the e-Folder in 
accordance with Records Control Schedule VBA-1 Part 1 Section XIII, as 
authorized by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). 
VA also proposes to begin using the VBMS eFolder as an integrated 
benefits repository for records related to VA insurance and loan 
guarantee benefits. As such, this SORN has been updated accordingly, 
with the most notable changes being an increase to the number of 
Routine Uses (we have added Routine Use #2 and Routine Uses #75-83), 
and the type/number of Individuals Covered by this System (we have 
added Categories of Individuals Covered by this System #15-24). Please 
see applicable sections for further details. Complete information 
pertaining to the systems of records for the VA Loan Guaranty Program 
can be found in the 17VA26 SORN, entitled ``Loan Guaranty Fee Personnel 
and Program Participant Records--VA,'' and 55VA26 SORN, entitled ``Loan 
Guaranty Home, Condominium and Manufactured Home Loan Applicants 
Records, Specially Adapted Housing Applicant Records and Vendee Loan 
Applicant Records-VA.'' Complete information pertaining to the systems 
of records for VA Insurance can be found in the 36VA29 SORN, entitled 
``Veterans and Uniformed Services Personnel Programs of U.S. Government 
Life Insurance--VA.'' Lastly, VA is adding internet protocol (IP) 
addresses as a type of record maintained in this system.
    In 2012, VA partnered with the National Archives and Records 
Administration (NARA) to develop, test, and implement a ``smart 
scanning'' capability in support of the VBMS initiative. VA then began 
electronically imaging and uploading all incoming claims-related 
documentation into the VBMS eFolder. VA's current policy is: Once a 
paper document is scanned, the original paper source material is 
reclassified as a duplicate copy. The duplicate copy is then placed in 
storage at great taxpayer expense, and is not used in the claims 
adjudication process. The VBMS eFolder and the electronic images it 
contains are considered the official record, and are the exclusive 
means by which VA Decision Makers review claims-related documentation 
when processing a claim for Compensation or Pension benefits. The paper 
duplicate copies are not reviewed during the claims adjudication 
process; however, the mere storage of the paper duplicate copies has 
cost taxpayers in excess of $24 million to date. As VA's paperless 
modernization continues to expand, the cost of continued storage of all 
paper duplicate information is expected to exceed $500 million over the 
next ten years. Given the enormous expense of storing the paper 
duplicates compared to the minimal benefit conferred to Veterans, VA 
does not believe it can justify the cost of continuing to store paper 
duplicates. As such, VA is proposing that, after an extensive quality 
review and validation process to ensure completeness and accuracy of 
the electronic record, and a 3-year waiting period to ensure that all 
related claims and appeals have been completely and finally 
adjudicated, VA will dispose of paper duplicates in accordance with 
applicable laws and procedures. VA will continue to maintain the 
electronic images indefinitely as a permanent record.
    We are adding Data breach response and remedial efforts to this 
SORN. VA may disclose information from this system to appropriate 
agencies, entities, and persons when (1) VA suspects or has confirmed 
that there has been a breach of the system of records; (2) VA has 
determined that as a result of the suspected or confirmed breach there 
is a risk of harm to individuals, VA (including its information 
systems, programs, and operations), and (3) the Federal Government, or 
national security; and the disclosure made to such agencies, entities, 
and persons is

[[Page 4139]]

reasonably necessary to assist in connection with VA's efforts to 
respond to the suspected or confirmed breach or to prevent, minimize, 
or remedy such harm.
    This routine use permits disclosures by the Department to respond 
to a suspected or confirmed data breach, including the conduct of any 
risk analysis or provision of credit protection services as provided in 
38 U.S.C. 5724.
    A federal agency's ability to respond quickly and effectively in 
the event of a breach of federal data is critical to its efforts to 
prevent or minimize any consequent harm. An effective response 
necessitates disclosure of information regarding the breach to those 
individuals affected by it, as well as to persons and entities in a 
position to cooperate, either by assisting in notification to affected 
individuals or playing a role in preventing or minimizing harms from 
the breach.
    Often, the information to be disclosed to such persons and entities 
is maintained by federal agencies and is subject to the Privacy Act (5 
U.S.C. 552a). The Privacy Act prohibits the disclosure of any record in 
a system of records by any means of communication to any person or 
agency absent the written consent of the subject individual, unless the 
disclosure falls within one of twelve statutory exceptions. In order to 
ensure an agency is in the best position to respond in a timely and 
effective manner, in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552a(b)(3) of the Privacy 
Act, agencies should publish a routine use for appropriate systems 
specifically applying to the disclosure of information in connection 
with response and remedial efforts in the event of a data breach.
    VA may disclose information from this system to another Federal 
agency or Federal entity, when VA determines that information from this 
system of records is reasonably necessary to assist the recipient 
agency or entity in (1) responding to a suspected or confirmed breach 
or (2) preventing, minimizing, or remedying the risk of harm to 
individuals, the recipient agency or entity (including its information 
systems, programs, and operations), the Federal Government, or national 
security, resulting from a suspected or confirmed breach.
    The narrative statement and an advance copy of the proposed changes 
have been sent to the appropriate Congressional committees and to the 
Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) as required by 
title 5 U.S.C. 552a(r) (Privacy Act) and guidelines issued by OMB (65 
FR 77677), December 12, 2000.

Signing Authority

    The Senior Agency Official for Privacy, or designee, approved this 
document and authorized the undersigned to sign and submit the document 
to the Office of the Federal Register for publication electronically as 
an official document of the Department of Veterans Affairs. James B. 
Ford, Acting Executive Director, Privacy, Office of Quality, Privacy 
and Risk, Office of Information and Technology, approved this document 
on June 27, 2018 for publication.

    Dated: February 11, 2019.
Amy L. Rose,
Program Analyst, VA Privacy Service, Office of Information Security, 
Office of Information and Technology, Department of Veterans Affairs.

System Name and Number
    Compensation, Pension, Education, and Vocational Rehabilitation and 
Employment Records--VA (58VA21/22/28)

Security Classification:
    This is an unclassified system.

System Location:
    Records are maintained at VA regional offices, VA centers, the VA 
Records Management Center (RMC), St. Louis, Missouri, the Data 
Processing Center at Hines, Illinois, the Corporate Franchise Data 
Center in Austin, Texas, the VA Insurance Center and the Information 
Technology Center at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Terremark 
Worldwide, Inc., Federal Hosting Facilities in Culpepper, Virginia, and 
Miami, Florida. Active educational assistance records are generally 
maintained at the regional processing office having jurisdiction over 
the educational institution, training establishment, or other entity 
where the claimant pursues or intends to pursue training.
    The automated individual employee productivity records are 
temporarily maintained at the VA data processing facility serving the 
office in which the employee is located. Records provided to the 
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for inclusion on its 
Credit Alert Interactive Voice Response System (CAIVRS) are located at 
a data processing center under contract to HUD at Lanham, Maryland. 
Address locations of VA facilities are listed at: https://www.va.gov/landing2_locations.htm.

System Manager(s):
    Director, Compensation Service (21C), 810 Vermont Avenue NW, VA 
Central Office, Washington, DC 20420.
    Director, Pension and Fiduciary Service (21PF), 810 Vermont Avenue 
NW, VA Central Office, Washington, DC 20420.
    Director, Education Service (22), 810 Vermont Avenue NW, VA Central 
Office, Washington, DC 20420.
    Director, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Service (28), 
810 Vermont Avenue NW, VA Central Office, Washington, DC 20420.

Authority for Maintenance of the System:
    Title 10 U.S.C. chapters 106a, 510, 1606 and 1607 and title 38, 
U.S.C., Sec.  501(a) and Chapters 3, 11, 13, 15, 18, 19, 21, 23, 30, 
31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 39, 51, 53, 55 and 77. Title 5 U.S.C. 5514.

Purpose(s) of the System:
    VA gathers or creates these records in order to enable it to 
administer statutory benefits programs to Veterans, Servicemembers, 
Reservists, and their spouses, surviving spouses, and dependents, who 
file claims for a wide variety of Federal Veteran's benefits 
administered by VA. See the statutory provisions cited in ``Authority 
for maintenance of the system.''

Categories of Individuals Covered by the System:
    The following categories of individuals are covered by this system.
    1. Veterans who have applied for compensation for service-connected 
disability under title 38 U.S.C. chapter 11.
    2. Veterans who have applied for nonservice-connected disability 
under title 38 U.S.C. chapter 15.
    3. Veterans entitled to burial benefits under title 38 U.S.C. 
chapter 23.
    4. Surviving spouses and children who have claimed pension based on 
nonservice-connected death of a Veteran under title 38 U.S.C. chapter 
15.
    5. Surviving spouses and children who have claimed death 
compensation based on service-connected death of a Veteran under title 
38 U.S.C. chapter 11.
    6. Surviving spouses and children who have claimed dependency and 
indemnity compensation for service-connected death of a Veteran under 
title 38 U.S.C. chapter 13.
    7. Parents who have applied for death compensation based on 
service-connected death of a Veteran under title 38 U.S.C. chapter 11.
    8. Parents who have applied for dependency and indemnity 
compensation for service-connected

[[Page 4140]]

death of a Veteran under title 38 U.S.C. chapter 13.
    9. Individuals who applied for educational assistance benefits 
administered by VA under title 38 U.S.C.
    10. Individuals who applied for educational assistance benefits 
maintained by the Department of Defense (DoD) under title 10 U.S.C. 
that are administered by VA.
    11. Veterans who apply for training and employers who apply for 
approval of their programs under the provisions of the Emergency 
Veterans' Job Training Act of 1983, Public Law 98-77.
    12. Any VA employee who generates or finalizes adjudicative actions 
using the Benefits Delivery Network (BDN), the Veterans Service Network 
(VETSNET), or Veterans Benefits Management System (VBMS) computer 
processing systems.
    13. Veterans who apply for training and employers who apply for 
approval of their programs under the provisions of the Service Members 
Occupational Conversion and Training Act of 1992, Public Law 102-484.
    14. Representatives of individuals covered by the system.
    15. Fee personnel who may be paid by the VA or by someone other 
than the VA (e.g., appraisers, compliance inspectors, management 
brokers, loan closing and fee attorneys who are not VA employees but 
are paid for actual case work performed).
    16. Program participants (e.g., property management brokers and 
agents, real estate sales brokers and agents, participating lenders and 
their employees, title companies whose fees are paid by someone other 
than the VA, and manufactured home dealers, manufacturers, and 
manufactured home park or subdivision owners).
    17. Disabled veterans who have applied for and received specially 
adapted housing assistance under title 38, U.S.C. chapter 21;
    18. Veterans, their spouses or unmarried surviving spouses who have 
applied for and received VA housing credit assistance under title 38, 
U.S.C., chapter 37;
    19. Person(s) applying to purchase VA owned properties (vendee 
loans);
    20. Transferee owners of properties encumbered by a VA-guaranteed, 
insured, direct or vendee loan (e.g., individuals who have assumed a 
VA-guaranteed loan and those who have purchased property directly from 
the VA);
    21. Individuals other than those previously identified who may have 
applied for loan guarantee benefits.
    22. Veterans (not including dependents) and members of the 
uniformed services (including dependents) who have applied for and/or 
have been issued government life insurance.
    23. Beneficiaries of government life insurance entitled to or in 
receipt of insurance proceeds.
    24. Attorneys drawing fees for aiding in settlement of VA insurance 
claims. The individuals noted above are covered by this system based on 
applications, claims, and notices of eligibility for the following 
government life insurance programs provided in title 38 U.S.C. chapters 
19 and 21:
    (1) U.S. Government Life Insurance (USGLI) under Section 1942.
    (2) National Service Life Insurance (NSLI) under Section 1904.
    (3) Veterans' Special Life Insurance (VSLI) under Section 1923.
    (4) Veterans' Reopened Insurance (VRI) under Section 1925.
    (5) Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance (S-DVI) under Section 1922 
and 1922A.
    (6) Veterans' Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI) under Section 2106.
    (7) Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI), including Family 
Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (FSGLI), Veterans' Group Life 
Insurance (VGLI), and Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance Traumatic 
Injury Protection (TSGLI) under Sections 1967 through 1980A.

Categories of Records in the System:
    The record, or information contained in the record, may include 
identifying information (e.g., name, address, social security number); 
military service and active duty separation information (e.g., name, 
service number, date of birth, rank, sex, total amount of active 
service, branch of service, character of service, pay grade, assigned 
separation reason, service period, whether Veteran was discharged with 
a disability, reenlisted, received a Purple Heart or other military 
decoration); payment information (e.g., Veteran payee name, address, 
dollar amount of readjustment service pay, amount of disability or 
pension payments, number of nonpay days, any amount of indebtedness 
(accounts receivable) arising from title 38 U.S.C. benefits and which 
are owed to the VA); medical information (e.g., medical and dental 
treatment in the Armed Forces including type of service-connected 
disability, medical facilities, or medical or dental treatment by VA 
health care personnel or received from private hospitals and health 
care personnel relating to a claim for VA disability benefits or 
medical or dental treatment); personal information (e.g., marital 
status, name and address of dependents, internet protocol addresses, 
occupation, amount of education of a Veteran or a dependent, 
dependent's relationship to Veteran); education benefit information 
(e.g., information arising from utilization of training benefits such 
as a Veteran trainee's induction, reentrance or dismissal from a 
program or progress and attendance in an education or training 
program); applications for compensation, pension, education and 
vocational rehabilitation benefits and training which may contain 
identifying information, military service and active duty separation 
information, payment information, medical and dental information, 
personal and education benefit information relating to a Veteran or 
beneficiary's incarceration in a penal institution (e.g., name of 
incarcerated Veteran or beneficiary, claims file number, name and 
address of penal institution, date of commitment, type of offense, 
scheduled release date, Veteran's date of birth, beneficiary 
relationship to Veteran and whether Veteran or beneficiary is in a work 
release or half-way house program, on parole or has been released from 
incarceration).
    The VA employee's BDN, VETSNET or VBMS identification numbers, the 
number and kind of actions generated and/or finalized by each such 
employee, the compilation of cases returned for each employee.
    Records (or information contained in records) may also include: 
Applications for certificates of eligibility (these applications 
generally contain information from a veteran's military service records 
except for character of discharge); applications for FHA Veterans' low-
down payment loans (these applications generally contain information 
from a Veteran's military service records including whether or not a 
veteran is in the service); applications for a guaranteed or direct 
loan, applications for release of liability, applications for 
substitutions of VA entitlement and applications for specially adapted 
housing (these applications generally contain information relating to 
employment, income, credit, personal data; e.g., social security 
number, marital status, number and identity of dependents; assets and 
liabilities at financial institutions, profitability data concerning 
business of self-employed individuals, information relating to an 
individual Veteran's loan account and payment history on a VA-
guaranteed, direct, or vendee loan on an acquired property, medical 
information when specially adapted housing is sought, and information 
regarding

[[Page 4141]]

whether a Veteran owes a debt to the United States) and may be 
accompanied by other supporting documents which contain the above 
information; applications for the purchase of a VA acquired property 
(e.g., vendee loans--these applications generally contain personal and 
business information on a prospective purchaser such as social security 
number, credit, income, employment history, payment history, business 
references, personal information and other financial obligations and 
may be accompanied by other supporting documents which contain the 
above information); loan instruments including deeds, notes, 
installment sales contracts, and mortgages; property management 
information; e.g., condition and value of property, inspection reports, 
certificates of reasonable value, correspondence and other information 
regarding the condition of the property (occupied, vandalized), and a 
legal description of the property; information regarding VA loan 
servicing activities regarding default, repossession and foreclosure 
procedures, assumability of loans, payment of taxes and insurance, 
filing of judgments (liens) with State or local authorities and other 
related matters in connection with active and/or foreclosed loans; 
information regarding the status of a loan (e.g., approved, pending or 
rejected by the VA); Applications by individuals to become VA-approved 
fee basis appraisers, compliance inspector, fee attorneys, or 
management brokers. These applications include information concerning 
applicant's name, address, business phone numbers, social security 
numbers or taxpayer identification number, and professional 
qualifications; applications by non-supervised lenders for approval to 
close guaranteed loans without the prior approval of VA 
(automatically); applications by lenders supervised by Federal or State 
agencies for designation as supervised automatic lenders in order that 
they may close loans without the prior approval (automatically) of the 
VA; applications for automatic approval or designation contain 
information concerning the corporate structure of the lender, 
professional qualifications of the lender's officers or employees, 
financial data such as profit and loss statements and balance sheets to 
insure the firm's financial integrity; identifying information such as 
names, business names (if applicable), addresses, phone numbers and 
professional resumes of corporate officials or employees; corporate 
structure information on prior approval lenders, participating real 
estate sales brokers or agents, developers, builders, investors, 
closing attorneys or other program participants as necessary to carry 
out the functions of the Loan Guaranty Program; records of performance 
concerning appraisers, compliance inspectors, management brokers, or 
fee attorneys on both firms and individual employees; records of 
performance including disciplinary proceedings, concerning program 
participants; e.g., lenders, investors, real estate brokers, builders, 
fee appraisers, compliance inspectors and developers both as to the 
firm and to individual employees maintained on an as-needed basis to 
carry out the functions of the Loan Guaranty program; National Control 
Lists which identify suspended real estate brokers and agents, lenders 
and their employees, investors, manufactured home dealers and 
manufacturers, and builders or developers; and a master record of the 
National Control List (e.g., Master Control List) which includes 
information regarding parties previously suspended but currently 
reinstated to participation in the Loan Guaranty program in addition to 
all parties currently suspended.
    Life insurance records (or information contained in records) may 
consist of:
    1. Applications for insurance, including the name and address of 
the Veteran or member of the uniformed services, email address, phone 
number, correspondence to and from the veteran or member of the 
uniformed services or their legal representatives, date of birth, 
social security number, military service number, dates of service, 
military ranking, character of discharge, VA file number, plan or type 
of insurance, disability rating, medical information regarding 
disability and health history, method of payment, amount of insurance 
coverage requested, and bank routing and account numbers. Applications 
for Veterans' Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI), including supporting 
mortgage documents, contain the address of the mortgaged property, name 
and address of the mortgagor, the mortgage account number, the rate of 
interest, the original amount of the mortgage, and the current amount 
of the mortgage, the monthly payment amount, the mortgage payment 
period, and VA Specially Adapted Grant Cards (which contain the 
Veteran's or uniformed services member's name, address, dates of 
military service, branch of service, method of separation, whether the 
Veteran or member of the uniformed services has VMLI, the name and 
address of the lender, the legal description and property address, 
improvements to such property, date applied for disability 
compensation, date of initial application submission, grant 
information, amount of the grant approved or whether the grant was 
denied or canceled).
    2. Beneficiary and option designation information, including the 
names and addresses of principal and contingent beneficiaries, 
beneficiary social security number, share amount to each beneficiary, 
the method of payment, and the designated estate(s) and trust(s).
    3. Insurance contract information, including: (a) Authorization of 
allotment payment; (b) authorization for deduction from VA benefit 
payments; (c) authorization for deduction from military retired pay; 
(d) authorization for deduction from employee payroll; (e) paid 
dividend information; (f) claims for disability or death payments; (g) 
cash value, policy loan, and lien information; (h) a listing of lapsed 
actions and unpaid insurance proceeds; (i) payment vouchers; (j) 
reinstatement information; (k) premium records status, and retired 
status of the policy; (l) court-martial orders; (m) copies of personal 
papers of the insured, including birth certificate, marriage license, 
divorce decree, citizen or naturalization papers, death certificate, 
adoption decree, and family support documents; (n) correspondence to 
and from the Veteran, member of the uniformed services, legal 
representative and payee; (o) employment information; (p) returned 
check and check tracer information; (q) court documents; and (r) 
insurance death claims settlement information, including indebtedness, 
interest, and other credits.
    4. Records of checks withheld from delivery to certain foreign 
countries.
    5. Index of payees, including CO index cards and premium record 
cards.
    6. Disability Outreach Tracking System (DOTS) records stored in the 
Veterans Insurance Claims Tracking and Response System (VICTARS) 
including the Veteran's or uniformed services member's name, address, 
phone number, and disability status.
    7. Policy information and access history from the VA Insurance 
website self-service-portal stored in VICTARS, which includes the name 
of the insured, file number, policy number, address, phone number, 
email address, loan status, including loan amount requested, denied, or 
pending, the date of request for information, loan history, policy 
changes, dividend option changes, and VA Insurance website pages 
accessed.
    8. Information from the VA Insurance website, which provides access 
to Veterans for completion of an application for Service-Disabled 
Veterans Insurance (S-DVI), which

[[Page 4142]]

includes the Veteran's name, address, social security number, date of 
birth, phone number, medical history, email address, and beneficiary 
information, such as the beneficiary's name, address, and social 
security number.

Record Source Categories:
    Veterans, Servicemembers, Reservists, spouses, surviving spouses, 
dependents and other beneficiaries of the Veteran, accredited service 
organizations and other VA-approved representatives of the Veteran, VA-
supervised fiduciaries (e.g., VA Federal fiduciaries, court-appointed 
fiduciaries), military service departments, VA medical facilities and 
physicians, private medical facilities and physicians, education and 
rehabilitation training establishments, State and local agencies, other 
Federal agencies including the Department of Defense (DoD), Social 
Security Administration (SSA); U.S. Treasury Department, State, local, 
and county courts and clerks, Federal, State, and local penal 
institutions and correctional facilities, other third parties and other 
VA records, Office of Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (OSGLI); 
commercial insurance companies; undertakers; lending institutions 
holding a veteran's or uniformed services member's mortgage; VA Loan 
Guaranty records; contractors remodeling or enlarging or adding 
construction to existing homes; relatives and other interested persons; 
Westlaw and InfoUSA; Inquiry Routing & Information System (IRIS) 
(maintained under System of Records ``151VA005N'' by the Office of 
Information &Technology), brokers and builder/sellers, credit and 
financial reporting agencies, an applicant's credit sources, depository 
institutions and employers, independent auditors and accountants, 
hazard insurance companies, taxing authorities, title companies, fee 
personnel, business and professional organizations, the general public, 
and other parties of interest involving VA-guaranteed, insured, vendee 
or direct loans or specially adapted housing.

Routine Uses of Records Maintained in the System, Including Categories 
of Users and the Purposes of Such Uses:
    1. Congress: VA may disclose information from the record of an 
individual in response to an inquiry from the congressional office made 
at the request of that individual.
    VA must be able to provide information about individuals to 
adequately respond to inquiries from Members of Congress at the request 
of constituents who have sought their assistance.
    2. Data breach response and remedial efforts: VA may, on its own 
initiative, disclose information from this system to appropriate 
agencies, entities, and persons when (1) VA suspects or has confirmed 
that there has been a breach of the system of records; (2) VA has 
determined that as a result of the suspected or confirmed breach there 
is a risk of harm to individuals, VA (including its information 
systems, programs, and operations), the Federal Government, or national 
security; and the disclosure made to such agencies, entities, and 
persons is reasonably necessary to assist in connection with VA's 
efforts to respond to the suspected or confirmed breach or to prevent, 
minimize, or remedy such harm.
    a. Effective Response. A federal agency's ability to respond 
quickly and effectively in the event of a breach of federal data is 
critical to its efforts to prevent or minimize any consequent harm. An 
effective response necessitates disclosure of information regarding the 
breach to those individuals affected by it, as well as to persons and 
entities in a position to cooperate, either by assisting in 
notification to affected individuals or playing a role in preventing or 
minimizing harms from the breach.
    b. Disclosure of Information. Often, the information to be 
disclosed to such persons and entities is maintained by federal 
agencies and is subject to the Privacy Act (title 5 U.S.C. 552a). The 
Privacy Act prohibits the disclosure of any record in a system of 
records by any means of communication to any person or agency absent 
the written consent of the subject individual, unless the disclosure 
falls within one of twelve statutory exceptions. In order to ensure an 
agency is in the best position to respond in a timely and effective 
manner, in accordance with title 5 U.S.C. 552a(b)(3) of the Privacy 
Act, agencies should publish a routine use for appropriate systems 
specifically applying to the disclosure of information in connection 
with response and remedial efforts in the event of a data breach.
    3. Data breach response and remedial efforts with another Federal 
agency: VA may, on its own initiative, disclose information from this 
system to another Federal agency or Federal entity, when VA determines 
that information from this system of records is reasonably necessary to 
assist the recipient agency or entity in (1) responding to a suspected 
or confirmed breach or (2) preventing, minimizing, or remedying the 
risk of harm to individuals, the recipient agency or entity (including 
its information systems, programs, and operations), the Federal 
Government, or national security, resulting from a suspected or 
confirmed breach.
    4. Law Enforcement: VA may, on its own initiative, disclose 
information in this system, except the names and home addresses of 
Veterans and their dependents, which is relevant to a suspected or 
reasonably imminent violation of law, whether civil, criminal or 
regulatory in nature and whether arising by general or program statute 
or by regulation, rule or order issued pursuant thereto, to a Federal, 
state, local, tribal, or foreign agency charged with the responsibility 
of investigating or prosecuting such violation, or charged with 
enforcing or implementing the statute, regulation, rule or order. On 
its own initiative, VA may also disclose the names and addresses of 
Veterans and their dependents to a Federal agency charged with the 
responsibility of investigating or prosecuting civil, criminal or 
regulatory violations of law, or charged with enforcing or implementing 
the statute, regulation, rule or order issued pursuant thereto.
    VA must be able to provide on its own initiative information that 
pertains to a violation of laws to law enforcement authorities in order 
for them to investigate and enforce those laws. Under title 38 U.S.C. 
5701(a) and (f), VA may disclose the names and addresses of Veterans 
and their dependents to Federal entities with law enforcement 
responsibilities. This is distinct from the authority to disclose 
records in response to a qualifying request from a law enforcement 
entity, as authorized by Privacy Act subsection title 5 U.S.C. 
552a(b)(7).
    5. Litigation: VA may disclose information from this system of 
records to the Department of Justice (DoJ), either on VA's initiative 
or in response to DoJ's request for the information, after either VA or 
DoJ determines that such information is relevant to DoJ's 
representation of the United States or any of its components in legal 
proceedings before a court or adjudicative body, provided that, in each 
case, the agency also determines prior to disclosure that release of 
the records to the DoJ is a use of the information contained in the 
records that is compatible with the purpose for which VA collected the 
records. VA, on its own initiative, may disclose records in this system 
of records in legal proceedings before a court or administrative body 
after determining that the disclosure of the records to the court or 
administrative body is a use of the information contained in the 
records that is compatible with the purpose for which VA collected the 
records.

[[Page 4143]]

    To determine whether to disclose records under this routine use, VA 
will comply with the guidance promulgated by the Office of Management 
and Budget in a May 24, 1985, memorandum entitled ``Privacy Act 
Guidance--Update,'' currently posted at https://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/whitehouse.gov/files/omb/assets/OMB/inforeg/guidance1985.pdf.
    VA must be able to provide information to DoJ in litigation where 
the United States or any of its components is involved or has an 
interest. A determination would be made in each instance that under the 
circumstances involved, the purpose is compatible with the purpose for 
which VA collected the information. This routine use is distinct from 
the authority to disclose records in response to a court order under 
subsection (b)(11) of the Privacy Act, title 5 U.S.C. 552(b)(11), or 
any other provision of subsection (b), in accordance with the court's 
analysis in Doe v. DiGenova, 779 F.2d 74, 78-85 (D.C. Cir. 1985) and 
Doe v. Stephens, 851 F.2d 1457, 1465-67 (D.C. Cir. 1988).
    6. Contractors: VA may disclose information from this system of 
records to individuals, organizations, private or public agencies, or 
other entities or individuals with whom VA has a contract or agreement 
to perform such services as VA may deem practicable for the purposes of 
laws administered by VA, in order for the contractor, subcontractor, 
public or private agency, or other entity or individual with whom VA 
has a contract or agreement to perform services under the contract or 
agreement.
    This routine use includes disclosures by an individual or entity 
performing services for VA to any secondary entity or individual to 
perform an activity that is necessary for individuals, organizations, 
private or public agencies, or other entities or individuals with whom 
VA has a contract or agreement to provide the service to VA.
    This routine use, which also applies to agreements that do not 
qualify as contracts defined by Federal procurement laws and 
regulations, is consistent with OMB guidance in OMB Circular A-130, 
App. I, paragraph 5a(1)(b) that agencies promulgate routine uses to 
address disclosure of Privacy Act-protected information to contractors 
in order to perform the services contracts for the agency.
    7. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC): VA may disclose 
information from this system to the EEOC when requested in connection 
with investigations of alleged or possible discriminatory practices, 
examination of Federal affirmative employment programs, or other 
functions of the Commission as authorized by law or regulation.
    VA must be able to provide information to EEOC to assist it in 
fulfilling its duties to protect employees' rights, as required by 
statute and regulation.
    8. Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA): VA may disclose 
information from this system to the FLRA, including its General 
Counsel, information related to the establishment of jurisdiction, 
investigation, and resolution of allegations of unfair labor practices, 
or in connection with the resolution of exceptions to arbitration 
awards when a question of material fact is raised; for it to address 
matters properly before the Federal Services Impasses Panel, 
investigate representation petitions, and conduct or supervise 
representation elections.
    VA must be able to provide information to FLRA to comply with the 
statutory mandate under which it operates.
    9. Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB): VA may disclose 
information from this system to the MSPB, or the Office of the Special 
Counsel, when requested in connection with appeals, special studies of 
the civil service and other merit systems, review of rules and 
regulations, investigation of alleged or possible prohibited personnel 
practices, and such other functions promulgated in title 5 U.S.C. 1205 
and 1206, or as authorized by law.
    VA must be able to provide information to MSPB to assist it in 
fulfilling its duties as required by statute and regulation.
    10. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) and General 
Services Administration (GSA): VA may disclose information from this 
system to NARA and GSA in records management inspections conducted 
under title 44, U.S.C.
    NARA is responsible for archiving old records which are no longer 
actively used but may be appropriate for preservation, and for the 
physical maintenance of the Federal government's records. VA must be 
able to provide the records to NARA in order to determine the proper 
disposition of such records.
    11. The record of an individual who is covered by this system or 
records may be disclosed to a Member of Congress, or staff person 
acting for the member when, the member or staff person request the 
record on behalf of and at the written request of that individual.
    12. Any information in this system may be disclosed to a Federal 
agency, upon its official request, to the extent that it is relevant 
and necessary to that agency's decision regarding: The hiring, 
retention or transfer of an employee; the issuance of a security 
clearance; the letting of a contract; or the issuance or continuance of 
a license, grant or other benefit given by that agency. However, in 
accordance with an agreement with the U.S. Postal Service, disclosures 
to the U.S. Postal Service for decisions concerning the employment of 
Veterans will only be made with the Veteran's prior written consent.
    13. Any information in this system may be disclosed to a State or 
local agency, upon official request, to the extent that it is relevant 
and necessary to that agency's decision on: The hiring, retention or 
transfer of an employee; the issuance of a security clearance; the 
letting of a contract; or the issuance or continuance of a license, 
grant or other benefit by that agency including eligibility for 
unemployment compensation; provided, that if the information pertains 
to a Veteran, the name and address of the Veteran will not be disclosed 
unless the name and address are provided first by the requesting State 
or local agency.
    14. VA may disclose on its own initiative any information in this 
system, except the names and home addresses of individuals, that are 
relevant to a suspected violation or reasonably imminent violation of 
law, whether civil, criminal or regulatory in nature and whether 
arising by general or program statue or by regulation, rule or order 
issued pursuant thereto, to a Federal, State, local, tribal, or foreign 
agency charged with the responsibility of investigating or prosecuting 
such violation, or charged with enforcing or implementing the statute, 
rule, regulation or order.
    15. VA may disclose on its own initiative the names and addresses 
of individuals, that are relevant to a suspected violation or 
reasonably imminent violation of law, whether civil, criminal or 
regulatory in nature and whether arising by general or program statute 
or by regulation, rule or order issued pursuant thereto, to a Federal 
agency charged with the responsibility of investigating or prosecuting 
such violation or charged with enforcing or implementing the statue, 
regulation, rule or order.
    16. The name and address of an individual, which is relevant to a 
suspected violation or reasonably imminent violation of law concerning 
public health or safety, whether civil, criminal or regulatory in 
nature an whether arising by general or program statute or by 
regulation, rule or order issued pursuant thereto, may be

[[Page 4144]]

disclosed to any foreign, State or local governmental agency or 
instrumentality charged under applicable law with the protection of the 
public health or safety if a qualified representative of such 
organization, agency or instrumentality has made a written request that 
such name and address be provided for a purpose authorized by law.
    17. The name, address, entitlement code (e.g., compensation or 
pension), period(s) of service, sex, and date(s) of discharge may be 
disclosed to any nonprofit organization if the release is directly 
connected with the conduct of programs and the utilization of benefits 
under title 38 U.S.C. Disclosures may be in the form of a computerized 
list.
    18. Any information in this system, except for the name and address 
of an individual, may be disclosed to a Federal agency in order for VA 
to obtain information relevant to the issuance of a benefit under title 
38 U.S.C. The name and address of an individual may be disclosed to a 
Federal agency under this routine use if they are required by the 
Federal agency to respond to the VA inquiry.)
    19. Any information in this system may be disclosed in connection 
with any proceeding for the collection of an amount owed to the United 
States by virtue of a person's participation in any benefit program 
administered by VA when in the judgment of the Secretary, or official 
generally delegated such authority under standard agency delegation of 
authority rules (38 CFR 2.6), such disclosure is deemed necessary and 
proper, in accordance with title 38 U.S.C. 5701(b)(6).
    20. The name and address of an individual, and other information as 
is reasonably necessary to identify such individual, may be disclosed 
to a consumer reporting agency for the purpose of locating the 
individual, or obtaining a consumer report to determine the ability of 
the individual to repay an indebtedness to the United States arising by 
virtue of the individual's participation in a benefits program 
administered by the VA, provided that the requirements of title 38 
U.S.C. 5701(g)(2) have been met.
    21. The name and address of an individual, and other information as 
is reasonably necessary to identify such individual, including personal 
information obtained from other Federal agencies through computer 
matching programs, and any information concerning the individual's 
indebtedness to the United States by virtue of the person's 
participation in a benefits program administered by VA, may be 
disclosed to a consumer reporting agency for purposes of assisting in 
the collection of such indebtedness, provided that the provisions of 
title 31 U.S.C. 3701-3702 and 3711-3718; and 38 U.S.C. 5701(g)(4) have 
been met.
    22. Any information in this system, including available identifying 
information regarding the debtor, such as name of debtor, last known 
address of debtor, VA insurance number, VA loan number, VA claim 
number, place of birth, date of birth of debtor, name and address of 
debtor's employer or firm and dates of employment may be disclosed, 
under this routine use, except to consumer reporting agencies, to a 
third party in order to obtain current name, address, locator, and 
credit report in connection with any proceeding for the collection of 
an amount owed to the United States by virtue of a person's 
participation in any VA benefit program when in the judgment of the 
Secretary such disclosure is deemed necessary and proper. This purpose 
is consistent with the Federal Claims Collection Act of 1966 (Pub. L. 
89-508, title 31 U.S.C. 951-953 and 4 CFR parts 101-105 and title 38 
U.S.C. 5701(b)(6)).
    23. Any information in this system, including the nature and amount 
of a financial obligation, may be disclosed to a debtor's employing 
agency or commanding officer so that the debtor-employee may be 
counseled by his or her Federal employer or commanding officer and to 
assist in the collection of unpaid financial obligations owed VA.
    24. Payment information may be disclosed to the Department of the 
Treasury, in accordance with its official request, to permit delivery 
of benefit payments to Veterans or other beneficiaries.
    25. Medical information may be disclosed in response to a request 
from the superintendent of a State hospital for psychotic patients, a 
commissioner or head of a State department of mental hygiene, or a head 
of a State, county or city health department or any fee basis physician 
or sharing institution in direct connection with authorized treatment 
for a Veteran, provided the name of the individual to whom the record 
pertains is given and the information will be treated as confidential, 
as is customary in civilian professional medical practice.
    26. The name, address, VA file number, effective date of 
compensation or pension, current and historical benefit pay amounts for 
compensation or pension, service information, date of birth, competency 
payment status, incarceration status, and social security number of 
Veterans and their surviving spouses may be disclosed to the following 
agencies upon their official request: DoD; Defense Manpower Data 
Center; Marine Corps; Department of Homeland Security; Coast Guard; 
Public Health Service; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 
and Commissioned Officer Corps in order for these departments and 
agencies and VA to reconcile the amount and/or waiver of service, 
department and retired pay. These records may also be disclosed as a 
part of an ongoing computer-matching program to accomplish these 
purposes. This purpose is consistent with title 10 U.S.C. 12316, title 
38 U.S.C. 5304 and title 38 U.S.C. 5701.
    27. The amount of pension, compensation, dependency and indemnity 
compensation, educational assistance allowance, retirement pay and 
subsistence allowance of any individual identified to VA may be 
disclosed to any person who applies for such information.
    28. Identifying, personal, payment and medical information may be 
disclosed to a Federal, State, or local government agency at the 
request of a Veteran in order to assist the Veteran and ensure that all 
of the title 38 U.S.C. or other benefits to which the Veteran is 
entitled are received. This information may also be disclosed upon the 
request from a Federal agency, or to a State or local agency, provided 
the name and address of the Veteran is given beforehand by the 
requesting agency, in order to assist the Veteran in obtaining a non-
title 38 U.S.C. benefit to which the Veteran is entitled. These records 
may also be disclosed as part of an ongoing computer-matching program 
to accomplish this purpose.
    29. Any information in this system, which directly affects payment 
or potential payment of benefits to contesting claimants, including 
parties claiming an apportioned share of benefits, may be coequally 
disclosed to each affected claimant upon request from that claimant in 
conjunction with the claim for benefits sought or received.
    30. Any information in this system, such as identifying 
information, nature of a claim, amount of benefit payments, percentage 
of disability, income and medical expense information maintained by VA 
which is used to determine the amount payable to recipients of VA 
income-dependent benefits and personal information, may be disclosed to 
the Social Security Administration (SSA), upon its official request, in 
order for that agency to determine eligibility regarding amounts of 
social security benefits, or to verify other information with respect 
thereto. These records may also be disclosed as

[[Page 4145]]

part of an ongoing computer-matching program to accomplish this 
purpose.
    31. VA may disclose an individual's identifying information to an 
educational institution, training establishment, or other entity which 
administers programs approved for VA educational assistance in order to 
assist the individual in completing claims forms, to obtain information 
necessary to adjudicate the individual's claim, or to monitor the 
progress of the individual who is pursuing or intends to pursue 
training at the request of the appropriate institution, training 
establishment, or other entity administrating approved VA educational 
programs or at the request of the Veteran.
    32. Medical data (excluding the name and address of a Veteran 
unless the name and address are furnished by the requestor) may be 
disclosed to epidemiological and other research facilities approved by 
the Under Secretary for Health to obtain data from those facilities 
necessary to assist in medical studies on Veterans for VA or for any 
research purposes determined to be necessary and proper by the Under 
Secretary for Health.
    33. The name(s) and address(es) of a Veteran may be disclosed to 
another Federal agency or to a contractor of that agency, at the 
written request of the head of that agency or designee of the head of 
that agency for the purpose of conducting government research necessary 
to accomplish a statutory purpose of that agency.
    34. Any information in this system relevant to a Veteran's claim 
such as the name, address, the basis and nature of a claim, amount of 
benefit payment information, medical information and military service 
and active duty separation information may be disclosed at the request 
of the Veteran to accredited service organizations, VA- approved claims 
agents and attorneys acting under a declaration of representation so 
that these individuals can aid Veterans in the preparation, 
presentation and prosecution of claims under the laws administered by 
VA.
    35. Identifying and payment information may be disclosed, upon the 
request of a Federal agency, to a State or local government agency, to 
determine a beneficiary's eligibility under programs provided for under 
Federal legislation and for which the requesting Federal agency has 
responsibility. These records may also be disclosed as a part of an 
ongoing computer-matching program to accomplish these purposes. This 
purpose is consistent with title 38 U.S.C. 5701.
    36. Any information in this system such as the amount of benefit or 
disability payments and medical information may be disclosed in the 
course of presenting evidence to a court, magistrate, or administrative 
authority, in matters of guardianship, inquests, and commitments, to 
private attorneys representing Veterans rated incompetent in 
conjunction with issuance of Certificates of Incompetency, and to 
probation and parole officers in connection with court-required duties.
    37. Any information in this system including medical information, 
the basis and nature of claim, the amount of benefits and personal 
information may be disclosed to a VA Federal fiduciary or a guardian ad 
litem in relation to his or her representation of a Veteran only to the 
extent necessary to fulfill the duties of the VA Federal fiduciary or 
the guardian ad litem.
    38. Any relevant information (including changes in disability 
ratings) may be disclosed to the DOJ and United States Attorneys in the 
defense or prosecution of litigation involving the United States, and 
to Federal agencies upon their request in connection with review of 
administrative tort claims and potential tort claims filed under the 
Federal Tort Claims Act, title 28 U.S.C. 2672, the Military Claims Act, 
title 10 U.S.C. 2733, and other similar claims statutes.
    39. Any information in this system including the name, social 
security number, date of birth, delimiting date and remaining 
entitlement of VA educational benefits, may be disclosed to the 
Department of Education (ED) upon its official request, or contractor 
thereof, for specific use by the ED to validate information regarding 
entitlement to VA benefits which is submitted by applicants who request 
educational assistance grants from the ED. The ED or contractor thereof 
will not use such information for any other purpose. These records may 
also be disclosed as part of an ongoing computer-matching program to 
accomplish this purpose.
    40. VA may, at the request of the individual, disclose identifying 
information of an individual who is pursuing or intends to pursue 
training at an educational institution, training establishment, or 
other entity which administers programs approved for VA educational 
assistance in order for the VA to obtain sufficient information 
necessary to pay that individual or the educational or training 
establishment the correct monetary amounts in an expeditious manner. 
However, information will not be provided under this routine use to an 
educational institution, training establishment, or other entity when 
the request is clearly an attempt by that establishment to seek 
assistance in collection attempts against the individual.
    41. Identifying information and information regarding the 
induction, reentrance and dismissal of a disabled Veteran from a 
vocational rehabilitation program may be disclosed at the request of 
the Veteran to a VA-approved vocational rehabilitation training 
establishment to ensure that the trainee receives the maximum benefit 
from training.
    42. Identifying information and information regarding the extent 
and nature of a Veteran's disabilities with respect to any limitations 
to be imposed on the Veteran's vocational programs may be disclosed at 
the request of the Veteran to a VA-approved vocational rehabilitation 
training establishment to ensure that the trainee receives the maximum 
benefit from training.
    43. Information regarding the type and amount of training/education 
received, and the name and address of a Veteran, may be disclosed at 
the request of a Veteran to local and State agencies and to prospective 
employers in order to assist the Veteran in obtaining employment or 
further training.
    44. The name, claims file number and any other information relating 
to a Veteran's or beneficiary's incarceration in a penal institution 
and information regarding a dependent's right to a special 
apportionment of the incarcerated individual's VA benefit payment may 
be disclosed to those dependents who may be eligible for entitlement to 
such apportionment in accordance with title 38 U.S.C. 5313 and Sec.  
5307.
    45. The name, claims file number and any other information relating 
to an individual who may be incarcerated in a penal institution may, 
pursuant to an arrangement, be disclosed to penal institutions or to 
correctional authorities in order to verify information concerning the 
individual's incarceration status. The disclosure of this information 
is necessary to determine that individual's continuing eligibility as 
authorized under title 38 U.S.C. 5313, Sec.  5307. These records may 
also be disclosed as part of an ongoing computer-matching program to 
accomplish this purpose.
    46. Identifying information, except for the name and address of a 
Veteran, may be disclosed to a State agency for the purpose of 
conducting a computer match to determine if income and employment data 
are being properly reported to VA and to detect the

[[Page 4146]]

unwarranted payment of benefits under title 38 U.S.C.
    47. Identifying, disability, and award (type, amount and reasons 
for award) information may be released to the Department of Labor (DOL) 
in order for the DOL to conduct a computer matching program against the 
Office of Workers' Compensation Programs Federal Employees Compensation 
File, DOL/ESA-13, published in 46 FR 12357 on February 13, 1981. This 
match will permit the DOL to verify a person's eligibility for DOL 
payments as well as to detect situations where recipients may be 
erroneously receiving concurrent multiple payments from the DOL and VA, 
to identify areas where legislative and regulatory amendments directed 
toward preventing overpayments are needed, and to collect debts owed to 
the United States Government. This matching program is performed 
pursuant to the DOL Inspector General's authority under Public Law 95-
452, section 4(a) to detect and prevent fraud and abuse. This 
disclosure is consistent with title 38 U.S.C. 5701(b)(3).
    48. The beneficiary's name, address, social security number and the 
amount (excluding interest) of any indebtedness waived under title 38 
U.S.C. 5302, or compromised under 4 CFR part 103 may be disclosed to 
the Treasury Department, Internal Revenue Service (IRS), as a report of 
income under title 26 U.S.C. 61(a)(12).
    49. Identifying information, including social security number, 
except for the name and address, may be disclosed to a Federal, State, 
County or Municipal agency for the purpose of conducting computer 
matches to obtain information to validate the entitlement of an 
individual, who is receiving or has received Veterans' benefits under 
title 10 or title 38 U.S.C. The name and address of individuals may 
also be disclosed to a Federal agency under this routine use if 
required by the Federal agency in order to provide information.
    50. Identifying information, including the initials and abbreviated 
surname, the social security number, the date of birth and coding 
indicating the category of the individual's records, the degree of 
disability, the benefit program under which benefits are being paid and 
the computed amount of VA benefits for a calendar year may be released 
to the Department of the Treasury, and IRS, in order for IRS to conduct 
a computer matching program against IRS Forms 1040, Schedule R, Credit 
for the Elderly and the Permanently and Totally Disabled. This match 
will permit IRS to determine the eligibility for and the proper amount 
of Elderly and Disabled Credits claimed on IRS Form 1040, Schedule R. 
This matching program is performed pursuant to the provisions of 
Internal Revenue Code Section 7602. This disclosure is consistent with 
title 38 U.S.C. 5701(b)(3).
    51. Identifying information, such as name, social security number, 
VA claim number, date and place of birth, etc., in this system may be 
disclosed to an employer or school having information relevant to a 
claim in order to obtain information from the employer or school to the 
extent necessary to determine that eligibility for VA compensation or 
pension benefits continues to exist or to verify that there has been an 
overpayment of VA compensation or pension benefits. Any information in 
this system also may be disclosed to any of the above-entitled 
individuals or entities as part of ongoing computer matching programs 
to accomplish these purposes.
    52. The name of a Veteran, or other beneficiary, other information 
as is reasonably necessary to identify such individual, and any other 
information concerning the individual's indebtedness by virtue of a 
person's participation in a benefits program administered by VA, may be 
disclosed to the Treasury Department, IRS, for the collection of title 
38, U.S.C. benefit overpayments, overdue indebtedness, and/or costs of 
services provided to an individual not entitled to such services, by 
the withholding of all or a portion of the person's Federal income tax 
refund.
    53. Veterans' addresses which are contained in this system of 
records may be disclosed to the Defense Manpower Data Center, upon its 
official request, for military recruiting command needs, DoD civilian 
personnel offices' mobilization studies and mobilization information, 
debt collection, and Individual Ready Reserve Units' locator services.
    54. The name, address, VA file number, date of birth, date of 
death, social security number, and service information may be disclosed 
to the Defense Manpower Data Center. DoD will use this information to 
identify retired Veterans and dependent members of their families who 
have entitlement to DoD benefits but who are not identified in the 
Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System program and to assist 
in determining eligibility for Civilian Health and Medical Program of 
the Uniformed Services benefits. This purpose is consistent with title 
38 U.S.C. 5701. These records may also be disclosed as part of an 
ongoing computer-matching program to accomplish this purpose.
    55. The name, address, VA file number, social security number, sex 
of Veteran, date(s) of birth of the Veteran and dependents, current 
benefit pay amounts for compensation or pension, pay status, check 
amount, aid and attendance status, Veteran and spouse annual income 
amounts and type and combined degree of disability will be disclosed to 
the Department of Health and Human Services. The SSA will use the data 
in the administration of the Supplemental Security Income payment 
system as prescribed by Public Law 92-603. These records may also be 
disclosed as part of an ongoing computer-matching program to accomplish 
these purposes. This purpose is consistent with title 38 U.S.C. 5701.
    56. The names and current addresses of VA beneficiaries who are 
identified by finance centers of individual uniformed services of DoD 
and the Department of Homeland Security (Coast Guard) as responsible 
for the payment of Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) premium payments to be 
released from this system of records to them upon their official 
written request for such information for their use in attempting to 
recover amounts owed for SBP premium payments.
    57. This routine use authorizes VA to compile lists of the social 
security numbers and loan account numbers of all persons with VA-
guaranteed and portfolio loans in default, or VA loans on which there 
has been a foreclosure and the Department paid a claim and provide 
these records to HUD for inclusion in its CAIVRS. Information included 
in this system may be disclosed to all participating agencies and 
lenders who participate in the agencies' programs to enable them to 
verify information provided by new loan applicants and evaluate the 
creditworthiness of applicants. These records may also be disclosed as 
part of an ongoing computer-matching program to accomplish these 
purposes.
    58. Identifying information including social security number, 
abbreviated surname, first and middle initial, date of birth, sex and 
claim number, and excluding the full name and address, may be disclosed 
to the SSA for the purpose of conducting a computer match to obtain 
information to validate the social security number maintained in VA 
records.
    59. Any information contained in the files of Veterans whose claims 
were referred to VA Central Office for an advisory opinion concerning 
their claims that their disabilities were incurred secondary to 
occupational radiation exposure may be disclosed to

[[Page 4147]]

the Department of the Navy. The information to be furnished to the Navy 
would include the medical opinions, dose estimates, advisory opinions, 
and rating decisions including Veterans' names, addresses, VA claim 
numbers, social security numbers and medical information. The requested 
information may be disclosed to the Department of the Navy upon receipt 
of its official written request for such information for its use in the 
review and assessment of its occupational radiation exposure controls 
and training.
    60. A Veteran's claims file number and folder location may be 
disclosed to a court of proper jurisdiction that has issued a 
garnishment order for that Veteran under title 42 U.S.C. 659 through 
660. An individual's identifying and payment information may be 
disclosed to the educational institution, training establishment, or 
other entity the individual attends (or attended) if that individual 
received educational assistance from VA based on training at that 
educational institution, training establishment, or entity. VA will 
disclose this information to assist the educational institution, 
training establishment, or other entity in verifying the individual's 
receipt of VA educational assistance and to assist the individual in 
applying for additional financial aid (e.g. student loans).
    61. The name and address of a prospective, present, or former 
accredited representative, claims agent or attorney and any information 
concerning such individual which is relevant to a refusal to grant 
access privileges to automated Veterans' claims records, or a potential 
or past suspension or termination of such access privileges may be 
disclosed to the entity employing the individual to represent Veterans 
on claims for Veterans benefits.
    62. The name and address of a former accredited representative, 
claim agent or attorney, and any information concerning such 
individual, except a Veteran's name and home address, which is relevant 
to a revocation of such access privileges may be disclosed to an 
appropriate governmental licensing organization where VA determines 
that the individual's conduct that resulted in revocation merits 
reporting.
    63. A record from this system (other than the address of the 
beneficiary) may be disclosed to a former representative of a 
beneficiary to the extent necessary to develop and adjudicate a claim 
for payment of attorney fees to such representative from past-due 
benefits under title 38 U.S.C. 5904(d) and Public Law 109-461 or to 
review a fee agreement between such representative and the beneficiary 
for reasonableness under title 38 U.S.C. 5904(c)(2) and Public Law 109-
461.
    64. Disclosure of tax returns and return information received from 
the IRS may be made only as provided by title 26 U.S.C. 6103 (an IRS 
confidentiality statute) also covering any IRS tax return information 
provided as part of an ongoing computer matching program.
    65. Where VA determines that there is good cause to question the 
legality or ethical propriety of the conduct of a person or 
organization representing a person in a matter before VA, a record from 
this system may be disclosed, on VA's initiative, to any or all of the 
following: (1) Applicable civil or criminal law enforcement authorities 
and (2) a person or entity responsible for the licensing, supervision, 
or professional discipline of the person or organization acting as a 
representative. Name and home addresses of Veterans and their 
dependents will be released on VA's initiative under this routine use 
only to Federal entities.
    66. The name and address of a VA beneficiary, and other information 
as is reasonably necessary to identify such a beneficiary, who has been 
adjudicated as incompetent under 38 CFR 3.353, may be provided to the 
Attorney General of the United States or his/her designee, for use by 
the DOJ in the National Instant Criminal Background Check System 
mandated by the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act, Public Law 103-
159.
    67. Disclosure may be made to the National Archives and Records 
Administration (NARA) and General Services Administration in record 
management inspections and such other activities conducted under 
Authority of title 44 U.S.C.
    68. VA may disclose information from this system of records to the 
DOJ, either on VA's initiative or in response to DOJ's request for the 
information, after either VA or DOJ determines that such information is 
relevant to DOJ's representation of the United States or any of its 
components in legal proceedings before a court or adjudicative body, 
provided that, in each case, the agency also determines prior to 
disclosure that release of the records to the DOJ is a use of the 
information contained in the records that is compatible with the 
purpose for which VA collected the records. VA, on its own initiative, 
may disclose records in this system of records in legal proceedings 
before a court or administrative body after determining that the 
disclosure of records to the court or administrative body is a use of 
the information contained in the records that is compatible with the 
purpose for which VA collected the records.
    69. Disclosure of relevant information may be made to individuals, 
organizations, public or private agencies, or other entities with whom 
VA has a contract or agreement or where there is a subcontract to 
perform such services as VA may deem practicable for the purposes of 
laws administered by VA, in order for the contractor or subcontractor 
to perform the services of the contract or agreement.
    70. Disclosure to other Federal agencies may be made to assist such 
agencies in preventing and detecting possible fraud, waste, 
overpayment, or abuse by individuals in their operations and programs 
as well as identifying areas where legislative and regulatory 
amendments directed toward preventing overpayments. These records may 
also be disclosed as part of an ongoing computer-matching program to 
accomplish this purpose.
    71. VA may on its own initiative, disclose any information or 
records to appropriate agencies, entities, and persons when (1) VA 
suspects or has confirmed that the integrity or confidentiality of 
information in the system of records has been compromised; (2) VA has 
determined that as a result of the suspected or confirmed compromise, 
there is a risk of embarrassment or harm to the reputations of the 
record subjects, harm to the economic or property interests, identity 
theft or fraud, or harm to the programs (whether maintained by VA or 
another agency or entity) that rely upon the potentially compromised 
information; and (3) the disclosure is to agencies, entities, or 
persons whom VA determines are reasonably necessary to assist or carry 
out the VA's efforts to respond to the suspected or confirmed 
compromise and prevent, minimize, or remedy such harm. This routine use 
permits disclosures by VA to respond to a suspected or confirmed data 
breach, including the conduct of any risk analysis or provision of 
credit protection services as provided in title 38 U.S.C. 5724, as the 
terms are defined in title 38 U.S.C. 5727.
    72. VA may disclose information to other Federal Agencies 
including, but not limited to, identifying information, payment 
information, and vocational objectives about a Veteran or Servicemember 
who is receiving or has received benefits under the Vocational 
Rehabilitation program to be used in data analysis and development of 
performance measures.
    73. Any information contained in this system may be disclosed by 
VA, as

[[Page 4148]]

deemed necessary, to DoD for use for determinations required by DoD. VA 
will routinely use the information to conduct medical evaluations 
needed to produce VA disability ratings and to promulgate subsequent 
claims for benefits under title 38 U.S.C.
    74. Information in this system (excluding date of birth, social 
security number, and address) relating to the use of transferred 
educational assistance benefits may be coequally disclosed to the 
transferor, e.g., the individual from whom eligibility was derived, and 
to each transferee, e.g., the individual receiving the transferred 
benefit. The information disclosed is limited to the two parties in 
each transferor-transferee relationship, as the transferor may have 
multiple transferred relationships.
    75. The name, address, insurance account information of an insured 
Veteran or member of the uniformed services, their beneficiary(ies), 
legal representatives, or designated payee(s), and the amount of 
payment may be disclosed to the Treasury Department, upon its official 
request, in order for the Treasury Department to make payment of 
dividends, policy loans, cash surrenders, maturing endowments, 
insurance refunds, issue checks and perform check tracer activities for 
the veteran or member of the uniformed services, beneficiary(ies), 
legal representative or designated payee(s).
    76. The name and address of an insured Veteran or member of the 
uniformed services, date and amount of payments made to VA, including 
specific status of each policy (e.g., premiums paid in, dividends paid 
out, cash and loan values) may be disclosed to the Internal Revenue 
Service (IRS), upon its official request, in order for the IRS to 
collect tax liens by withholding insurance payments to satisfy unpaid 
taxes. This purpose is consistent with title 26 of the United States 
Code, Sec.  7602.
    77. The name, address, social security number, date of discharge 
from the military, medical information concerning the grounds for total 
disability or the nature of an injury or illness, and dependency or 
beneficiary related information of a member of the uniformed services 
or Veteran may be disclosed to the Office of Servicemembers' Group Life 
Insurance (OSGLI) at the request of a member of the uniformed services 
or Veteran in order to aid OSGLI in the verification of such 
information for the purpose of issuance and maintenance of insurance 
policies provided to members of the uniformed services or Veterans 
participating in the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) 
program and/or Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI) program and to pay 
insurance benefits under these programs.
    78. The name, address, and other identifying information such as a 
social security number or a military service number may be disclosed to 
the Department of Defense (Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps); the 
Coast Guard of the Department of Homeland Security; the Commissioned 
Officers Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service; and the Commissioned 
Officers Corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 
(NOAA) of the Department of Commerce; this disclosure may be made upon 
their official request, for use in order for these departments to 
establish and maintain allotments from active and retired service pay 
for VA insurance premiums and loan repayments.
    79. The face amount and cash and/or loan value of an insurance 
policy, verification of an existing insurance policy, and the name and 
address of an insured Veteran or member of the uniformed services may 
be disclosed at the request of the veteran or member of the uniformed 
services to a Federal, State, or local agency, in order for these 
agencies to assist a veteran or member of the uniformed services 
applying for Medicaid, Medicare, nursing home admittance, welfare 
benefits, or other benefits provided by the requesting agency to the 
extent that the information is relevant and necessary to the agency's 
decision regarding benefits.
    80. The name and address of a Veteran or member of the uniformed 
services and military service information (e.g., dates of service, 
branch of service) may be disclosed to the Armed Forces Institute of 
Pathology (AFIP), upon its official request, in order for the AFIP to 
conduct research for specified official purposes.
    81. Any information in this system such as notice of renewal, 
reinstatement, premium due, lapse actions, miscellaneous insurance 
instructions, disposition of dividends, policy loans, and transfer of 
records may be disclosed to VA fiduciaries, court-appointed guardians/
conservators, powers of attorney, or military trustees of incompetent 
Veterans or members of the uniformed services in order to advise VA 
fiduciaries, court-appointed guardians/conservators, powers of 
attorney, or military trustees of current actions to be taken in 
connection with ownership of U.S. government life insurance policies 
and to enable them to properly perform their duties as fiduciaries or 
guardians, powers of attorney, or military trustees.
    82. Any information in this system of records may be disclosed, in 
the course of presenting evidence in or to a court, magistrate, 
administrative tribunal, or grand jury, including disclosures to 
opposing counsel in the course of such proceedings or in settlement 
negotiations.
    83. Identifying information, except for the name and address of a 
Veteran or member of the uniformed services, may be disclosed to a 
Federal, State, County or Municipal agency for the purpose of 
conducting computer matches to obtain information to validate the 
entitlement of a Veteran or member of the uniformed services who is 
receiving or has received government insurance benefits under title 38 
U.S.C. The name and address of a Veteran or member of the uniformed 
services may also be disclosed to a Federal agency under this routine 
use if they are required by the Federal agency to respond to the VA 
inquiry.

Policies and Practices for Storage of Records:
    The BDN, Virtual VA, Corporate WINRS, VETSNET, The Image Management 
System (TIMS), Long Term Solution (LTS) and the VBMS are data 
telecommunication terminal systems. For Compensation and Pension-
related claims, records (or information contained in records) are no 
longer maintained on paper documents in claims folders (C-folders), but 
are now 100% digitized and stored in the VBMS electronic folder (VBMS 
eFolder). In 2012, VA declared the VBMS eFolder to be the official 
record for all documentation submitted to VA pursuant to claims for 
Compensation and Pension benefits. All paper documents VA receives 
pursuant to a Compensation or Pension claim are converted to a digital 
image via VA's electronic imaging process and uploaded into the VBMS 
eFolder. An electronically-imaged document in the VBMS eFolder is the 
official copy of record for adjudicating claims for VA Compensation or 
Pension benefits. When VA decision makers adjudicate claims for 
Compensation or Pension benefits, they rely solely on the electronic 
image contained in the VBMS eFolder, irrespective of whether a document 
is initially submitted to VA in electronic or paper format. VA decision 
makers do not have access to the original paper source documents during 
the claims adjudication process. Once a paper source document is 
electronically imaged and uploaded into the eFolder, VA considers the 
electronic image to be the official copy of record, while the physical 
paper document is reclassified

[[Page 4149]]

as a duplicate copy. All duplicate copies of the official record are 
subject to destruction in accordance with applicable procedures and 
laws (please see the Retention and Disposal section for further 
details.)
    Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E), and Education 
claims are maintained on paper and electronic folders and on automated 
storage media (e.g., microfilm, microfiche, magnetic tape and disks). 
Such information may be accessed through BDN, VBMS, Corporate WINRS, 
TIMS, LTS, and VETSNET terminals. BDN, Virtual VA, Corporate WINRS, 
VETSNET, and VBMS terminal locations include VA Central Office, 
regional offices, VA health care facilities, Veterans Integrated 
Service Network offices, DoD Finance and Accounting Service Centers and 
the U.S. Coast Guard Pay and Personnel Center. Remote on-line access is 
also made available to authorized remote sites, representatives of 
claimants and to attorneys of record for claimants. A VA claimant must 
execute a prior written consent or a power of attorney authorizing 
access to his or her claims records before VA will allow the 
representative or attorney to have access to the claimant's automated 
claims records. Access by representatives and attorneys of record is to 
be used solely for the purpose of assisting an individual claimant 
whose records are accessed in a claim for benefits administered by VA. 
Information relating to receivable accounts owed to VA, designated the 
Centralized Accounts Receivable System (CARS), is maintained on 
magnetic tape, microfiche and microfilm. CARS is accessed through a 
data telecommunications terminal system at St. Paul, Minnesota.

Policies and Practices for Retrieval of Records:
    File folders, whether paper or electronic, are indexed by name of 
the individual and VA file number. Automated records are indexed by 
name, VA file number, payee name and type of benefit. Employee 
productivity is measured using automated systems. At the conclusion of 
a monthly reporting period, the generated listing is indexed by 
employee BDN identification number. Records in CAIVRS may only be 
retrieved by social security number.

Policies and Practices for Retention and Disposal of Records:
    All claims files folders for Compensation and Pension claims are 
electronically imaged and uploaded into the VBMS eFolder. Once a file 
is electronically imaged and established by VA as the official record, 
its paper contents (with the exception of documents that are on hold 
due to pending litigation, and service treatment records and other 
documents that are the property of DoD), are reclassified as 
duplicate--non record keeping--copies of the official record, and will 
be destroyed in accordance with Records Control Schedule VB-1, Part 1 
Section XIII, Item 13-052.100 as authorized by NARA. All paper 
documentation that is not the property of VA (e.g., DoD-owned 
documentation) is currently stored by VA after scanning, pending a 
policy determination as to its final disposition. All documentation 
being held pursuant to active litigation is held in its native format 
during the pendency of the litigation. All VBMS eFolders are stored on 
a secure VA server, pending permanent transfer to NARA where they will 
be maintained as historical records.
    Prior to destruction of any paper source documentation reclassified 
as duplicate copies, VA engages in a comprehensive and multi-layered 
quality control and validation program to ensure material that has been 
electronically imaged is completely and accurately uploaded into the 
VBMS eFolder. To guarantee the integrity and completeness of the 
record, VA engages in industry-best practices, using state-of-the-art 
equipment, random sampling, independent audit, and 100% VA review 
throughout the claims adjudication process. Historically, VA's success 
rate in ensuring the accuracy and completeness of the electronic record 
routinely and consistently exceeds 99%. Furthermore, no paper document 
is ever destroyed while any related claim or appeal for VA benefits is 
still pending. VA waits 3 years after the final adjudication of any 
claim or appeal before destroying the paper duplicate copies that have 
been scanned into the VBMS eFolder. As noted, the electronic image of 
the paper document is retained indefinitely as a permanent record 
either by VA or NARA.
    Decisions to destroy VR&E paper counseling records are to be made 
in accordance with Records Control Schedule (RCS), RCS VB-1, Part I, 
Field in Section VII, dated January 31, 2014. Automated storage media 
containing temporary working information are retained until a claim is 
decided, and then destroyed. All other automated storage media are 
retained and disposed of in accordance with disposition authorization 
approved by NARA. Education file folders in paper are retained at the 
servicing Regional Processing Office. Education paper folders may be 
destroyed in accordance with the times set forth in the VBA Records 
Management, Records Control Schedule VB-1, Part 1, Section VII, as 
authorized by NARA.
    Employee productivity records are maintained for two years after 
which they are destroyed by shredding or burning. File information for 
CAIVRS is provided to HUD by VA on magnetic tape. After information 
from the tapes has been read into the computer the tapes are returned 
to VA for updating. HUD does not keep separate copies of the tapes.

Administrative, Technical, and Physical Safeguards:
    1. Physical Security:
    (a) Access to working spaces and claims folder file storage areas 
in VA regional offices and centers is restricted to VA employees on a 
need-to-know basis. Generally, file areas are locked after normal duty 
hours and the offices and centers are protected from outside access by 
the Federal Protective Service or other security personnel. Employee 
claims file records and claims file records of public figures are 
stored in separate locked files. Strict control measures are enforced 
to ensure that access to and disclosure from these claims file records 
are limited to a need-to-know basis. Duplicate paper copies after 
imaging are stored in NARA-compliant facilities, pending destruction.
    (b) Access to BDN, Virtual VA, Corporate WINRS, VETSNET and VBMS 
data telecommunication networks are by authorization controlled by the 
site security officer who is responsible for authorizing access to the 
BDN, Virtual VA, VBMS and VETSNET by a claimant's representative or 
attorney approved for access in accordance with VA regulations. The 
site security officer is responsible for ensuring that the hardware, 
software and security practices of a representative or attorney satisfy 
VA security requirements before granting access. The security 
requirements applicable to the access of automated claims files by VA 
employees also apply to the access of automated claims files by 
claimants' representatives or attorneys. The security officer is 
assigned responsibility for privacy-security measures, especially for 
review of violation logs, information logs and control of password 
distribution, including password distribution for claimants' 
representatives.
    (c) Access to data processing centers is generally restricted to 
center employees, custodial personnel, Federal Protective Service and 
other security

[[Page 4150]]

personnel. Access to computer rooms is restricted to authorized 
operational personnel through electronic locking devices. All other 
persons provided access to computer rooms are escorted.
    (d) Employee production records are identified by the confidential 
BDN and VETSNET employee identification number, and are protected by 
management/supervisory personnel from unauthorized disclosure in the 
same manner as other confidential records maintained by supervisors.
    2. BDN, Virtual VA, VETSNET, and VBMS System Security:
    (a) Usage of the BDN, Virtual VA, Corporate WINRS, VETSNET, and 
VBMS systems is protected by the usage of ``login'' identification 
passwords and authorized function passwords. The passwords are changed 
periodically. These same protections apply to remote access users.
    (b) At the data processing centers, identification of magnetic 
tapes and disks containing data is rigidly enforced using labeling 
techniques. Automated storage media, which are not in use, are stored 
in tape libraries, which are secured in locked rooms. Access to 
programs is controlled at three levels: Programming, auditing and 
operations. Access to the data processing centers where HUD maintains 
CAIVRS is generally restricted to center employees and authorized 
subcontractors. Access to computer rooms is restricted to center 
employees and authorized operational personnel through electronic 
locking devices. All other persons granted access to computer rooms are 
escorted. Files in CAIVRS use social security numbers as identifiers. 
Access to information files is restricted to authorized employees of 
participating agencies and authorized employees of lenders who 
participate in the agencies' programs. Access is controlled by agency 
distribution of passwords. Information in the system may be accessed by 
use of a touch-tone telephone by authorized agency and lender employees 
on a ``need-to-know'' basis.
    Record Access Procedures: Veterans and authorized parties have a 
statutory right to request a copy of or an amendment to a record in 
VA's possession at any time under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) 
and the Privacy Act (PA). VA has a decentralized system for fulfilling 
FOIA and PA requests. The type of information or records an individual 
is seeking will determine the location to which a request should be 
submitted. For records contained within a VA claims folder 
(Compensation and Pension claims), or military service medical records 
in VA's possession, the request will be fulfilled by the VA Records 
Management Center. Authorized requestors should mail or fax their 
Privacy Act or FOIA requests to: Department of Veterans Affairs, Claims 
Intake Center, P.O. Box 4444, Janesville, WI 53547-4444, Fax: 844-531-
7818, DID: 608-373-6690.
    For other benefits records maintained by VA (to include Vocational 
Rehabilitation & Employment, Insurance, Loan Guaranty or Education 
Service) submit requests to the FOIA/Privacy Act Officer at the VA 
Regional Office serving the individual's jurisdiction. Address 
locations for the nearest VA Regional Office are listed at VA Locations 
Link. Any individuals who have questions about access to records may 
also call 1-800-327-1000.

Contesting Record Procedures:
    (See Record access procedures above.)
    Notification Procedures: Any individual, who wishes to determine 
whether a record is being maintained in this system under his or her 
name or other personal identifier, or wants to determine the contents 
of such record, should submit a written request or apply in person to 
the nearest VA regional office or center. Address locations are listed 
at https://www.va.gov/landing2_locations.htm.
    VA employees wishing to inquire whether the system of records 
contains employee productivity information about themselves should 
contact their supervisor at the regional office or center of 
employment.

Exemptions Promulgated for the System:
    There is no category of records in this system that has been 
identified as exempt from any section of the Privacy Act.

History:
    Compensation, Pension, Education, and Vocational Rehabilitation and 
Employment Records-VA (58VA21/22/28) was published on July 19, 2012 at 
77FR42594.

[FR Doc. 2019-02315 Filed 2-13-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE P