Release of Information From Department of Veterans Affairs' Records, 12122-12130 [2019-06101]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 62 (Monday, April 1, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 12122-12130]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-06101]


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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

38 CFR Part 1

RIN 2900-AQ27


Release of Information From Department of Veterans Affairs' 
Records

AGENCY: Department of Veterans Affairs.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This document amends the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) 
regulations governing the submission and processing of requests for 
information under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the Privacy 
Act to reorganize, streamline, and clarify existing regulations.

DATES: This rule is effective May 1, 2019.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Catherine Nachmann, Attorney, Office 
of General Counsel (024), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont 
Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420, (202) 461-7742 (this is not a toll-
free number).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On April 5, 2018, VA published a proposed 
rule in the Federal Register [83 FR 14613]. We proposed to amend VA's 
regulations pertaining to release of information under 5 U.S.C. 552 and 
implementation of the FOIA, codified at 38 CFR 1.550 through 1.562. We 
proposed to update VA's FOIA regulations to implement amendments in the 
FOIA Improvement Act of 2016, Public Law 114-185, and those governing 
release of information from claimant records protected under the 
Privacy Act of 1974, namely 38 CFR 1.577 (c) and (e) and 1.580. In 
addition to complying with statutory changes, we proposed to amend the 
regulations to clarify sections as needed and streamline VA processes 
regarding release of information, thus making it easier for the 
requester to follow the agency's procedures.
    We received comments from four commenters that both supported the 
proposed rule and recommended modifications of the proposed rule; one 
comment was received in duplicate. To clarify, we received total of 
four comment submissions from four separate commenters. We address each 
of the recommendations below as we sequentially discuss the relevant 
provisions.
    The first commenter suggested that VA add the definition of FOIA 
public liaison to the ``definitions'' section, based on the liaison's 
increased role in the FOIA process. The commenter suggested that VA use 
the following definition: ``FOIA public liaison means a supervisory 
agency FOIA official who assists in the resolution of any disputes 
between the requester and the agency.'' We agree that adding the 
definition of FOIA public liaison in the definitions section will 
assist requesters in identifying individuals potentially involved in 
the FOIA process; accordingly, we accept this suggestion and will add 
``FOIA public liaison'' to Sec.  1.551. We note that the proposed rule 
included reference to FOIA public liaison in Sec.  1.556 and Sec.  
1.557; in addition, current Sec.  1.551 references the availability of 
FOIA public liaisons to assist in resolution of disputes between the 
agency and the requester. Incorporating the definition, therefore, 
merely elaborates upon the term as presented in VA's FOIA regulations. 
Accordingly, the addition of this definition is within the scope of the 
FOIA regulations and is a logical outgrowth of the proposed rule.
    The commenter also advised that VA's definition of ``request'' may 
be confusing because it provides that the term request includes ``any 
action emanating from the initial demand for records, including an 
appeal related to the initial demand.'' We agree that use of the term 
``appeal'' within the definition of ``request'' may be confusing; 
accordingly, we revised the definition in Sec.  1.551. The revision of 
the definition is a clarification of the current definition and is not 
a significant alteration of the proposed rule.
    The second commenter expressed dissatisfaction with the current VA 
FOIA web page and suggested that VA engage in usability testing and 
other means of testing user experience. We note in response that VA 
Office of Privacy and Identity Protection is revising the VA FOIA web 
page and in doing so, will address the concerns expressed by the 
commenter. Regarding usability testing, VA will test the FOIA site to 
ensure that it is working properly, although VA does not have a 
specific program to regularly test the site. In the event an issue is 
identified when VA tests the site, however, the issue will be addressed 
and resolved. The commenter also suggested that we write the 
regulations in plain language; we agree and endeavor to write in plain 
language to the extent possible.
    The third commenter objected to the absence of changes to Sec.  
1.553; the commenter argued that VA should revise the section in its 
entirety. The commenter stated that proactive disclosures are not 
discretionary disclosures because they are triggered by statute, and 
supplied sample language as provided in the DOJ OIP FOIA regulation 
template. We note that these comments are beyond the scope of the 
proposed rule; as a matter of courtesy, we stress nonetheless that 
current Sec.  1.553 specifically addresses the disclosure of records 
required by the FOIA. The section then separately addresses disclosure 
of records at VA discretion. Accordingly, we believe that Sec.  1.553 
is in keeping with the letter and spirit of the FOIA and requires no 
revision.
    The third commenter also observed that proposed Sec.  1.554(d) and 
the sections following it do not comply with the Department of Justice 
(DOJ) Office of Information Policy (OIP) template regarding 
requirements for making a request. The commenter also pointed out that 
Sec.  1.554 does not contain language offering the services of a FOIA 
Public Liaison. In response to the allegation here and throughout this 
commenter's submission pertaining to VA's adherence to the OIP 
regulation template, VA responds that, as noted on the DOJ website, the 
OIP regulation template provides guidelines and sample language for 
agencies as they address the key elements of each section. The template 
does not require agencies to use the identical format or language in 
drafting its own agency regulations. Currently, we are revising VA's 
FOIA regulations to make them

[[Page 12123]]

consistent with the FOIA Improvement Act of 2016; simultaneously, we 
are revising some provisions based on our experience in implementing 
the existing regulations. While we appreciate the usefulness of the 
template in certain circumstances, we conclude that our proposed rule 
represents a revision of and improvement to the current regulations 
consistent with current law and policy and that revising to mimic the 
template verbatim is not necessary.
    As to the commenter's statement that VA does not include language 
in Sec.  1.554 regarding the services of a FOIA Public Liaison, we 
point out that the availability of FOIA Public Liaisons is described in 
Sec.  1.552; further, requesters are advised of the availability of 
FOIA Public Liaisons in their initial agency determinations pursuant to 
Sec. Sec.  1.554 (d) and (e). VA also intends to make information 
regarding FOIA Public Liaisons available on its FOIA home page and in 
internal agency guidance as necessary. Overall, we are satisfied that 
the notification of the availability of FOIA Public Liaisons as 
contained in the current regulation is consistent with the FOIA.
    The third commenter further suggested that the requester's right to 
request records in a particular form or format should be included Sec.  
1.554 rather than Sec.  1.557 (``Responses to requests''), based on the 
location of the information in the OIP template. First, we note that 
the comment is beyond the scope of the proposed rule. In addition, we 
refer to our response above regarding the requirement to follow the OIP 
template verbatim. Lastly, as a matter of courtesy, we note in response 
that as currently written, VA FOIA regulations address the issue of the 
form or format of responsive records in a manner that sufficiently 
advises the requester of his or her right to receive records in a 
specific format. Accordingly, we decline to revise the regulation based 
on this comment.
    In addition, this commenter noted that Sec.  1.554 does not contain 
a paragraph dedicated to ``customer service,'' to include notifying 
requesters of the availability of FOIA Public Liaisons. In response, we 
refer first to our discussion above regarding FOIA Public Liaisons. As 
to customer service generally, we conclude that VA regulations provide 
sufficient customer service in various forms; the regulations, for 
example, provide guidance regarding how and where to send a FOIA 
request, information that the request must contain, and information 
pertaining to the FOIA process. The regulations also describe the FOIA 
Officers' duties, including an obligation to communicate with the FOIA 
requester. In view of the totality of VA's FOIA regulations, we believe 
that no additional revisions are necessary in this regard.
    The first commenter suggested that VA include in Sec.  1.554(c) a 
description of the distinction between requests under the FOIA and 
those under the Privacy Act, as follows: ``The Freedom of Information 
Act applies to the third-party requests for documents concerning the 
general activities of the Government and of VA in particular. When a 
U.S. citizen or an individual lawfully admitted for permanent residence 
requests access to his or her own records, it is considered a Privacy 
Act request. Such records are maintained by VA under the individual's 
name or personal identifier. Although requests are considered either 
FOIA requests or Privacy Act requests, agencies process requests in 
accordance with both laws, which provides the greatest degree of lawful 
access while safeguarding an individual's personal privacy.'' We agree 
that including such a distinction in VA FOIA regulations is useful, but 
we believe that it is more appropriately placed at the beginning of VA 
FOIA regulations. Accordingly, we added the language in Sec.  1.550 
(b).
    The first commenter also noted that the language of proposed Sec.  
1.556 (c)(1), i.e., ``Where an extension of more than 10 business days 
is needed . . .'' does not comply with the FOIA, as the FOIA does not 
permit an extension beyond 30 business days simply by notifying the 
requester and giving him or her the opportunity to modify the request. 
The commenter offered the following language in its place: ``Where the 
extension exceeds 10 working days, the agency must, as described by the 
FOIA, provide the requester with an opportunity to modify the request 
or arrange an alternative time period for processing the original or 
modified request.''
    The language used by VA in the current regulation was not intended 
to imply that an extension beyond 30 days was consistent with the FOIA. 
Given that the proposed language could be read that way, however, we 
agree with the commenter's suggested revision and we revised the 
section consistent with the language provided. We believe the revised 
language merely clarifies the intended meaning of the section and is 
not a significant change to the proposed rule.
    Further, the first commenter suggested that under Sec.  1.556 
(c)(iii), it was unclear whether the term ``components'' referred to VA 
components. The commenter suggested that we insert ``VA'' prior to 
``components'' in order to clarify. We agree with the comment and 
inserted ``VA'' for clarification. The revision represents a 
clarification only and is not a significant change to the proposed 
rule.
    The third commenter suggested that VA add the following language in 
Sec.  1.557(a) after providing that the FOIA Officer will advise the 
requester of the receipt of the FOIA request and a FOIA request number: 
``. . . if it will take longer than 10 working days to process. 
Agencies must include in the acknowledgment a brief description of the 
records sought to allow requesters to more easily keep track of their 
requests. . . .'' VA agrees that providing information to the FOIA 
requester is useful in the FOIA request process; VA regulation Sec.  
1.557(a) provides that the VA FOIA Officer will advise the requester of 
the receipt of the request and will provide the requester with the 
assigned FOIA request number to allow the requester to track the 
request. We believe that as it stands, Sec.  1.557(a) complies with 
both the letter and the spirit of the FOIA and provides adequate 
information to the requester. Accordingly, we do not believe that 
additional modification to the language is necessary.
    In addition, the third commenter suggested that VA remove of Sec.  
1.557(b) based on its non-compliance with the FOIA improvement Act of 
2016. We find this comment to be outside the scope of the proposed 
rule. In response nevertheless, we conclude that Sec.  1.557(b) is 
consistent with both the letter and the spirit of the FOIA and that no 
deletion is required. The commenter otherwise objects generally to 
Sec.  1.557's lack of conformance to the OIP template for agency FOIA 
regulations and suggests that parts of the section be moved elsewhere. 
In this regard, we refer to our response above regarding OIP regulation 
template guidance.
    The first commenter suggested that VA add language in subsection 
1.557(d), ``grants of requests in full,'' regarding appeal rights and 
information about OGIS. Upon review, we agree that including the 
additional information is useful. Accordingly, we added appeal and 
mediation rights to subsection 1.557(d). This revision is an extension 
or outgrowth in this regard, and does not represent a substantial 
alteration of the proposed rule.
    The first commenter also noted that in section 1.557 (e)(5), the 
word ``public'' is missing from the phrase ``FOIA Public Liaison.'' VA 
corrected this oversight. The revision is not a significant change to 
the proposed rule.

[[Page 12124]]

    The third commenter suggested that the term ``business 
information'' as used in Sec.  1.551 should be replaced with 
``confidential commercial information'' because the latter term 
``supplanted'' the term ``business information'' in 2003. In response, 
we point out that when VA revised its regulations in 2011, we 
purposefully replaced the term ``confidential commercial information'' 
with ``business information.'' We concluded at that time that the 
change used plain language and permitted individuals to get a clear 
idea at the outset whether their request would involve such 
information. We still believe that the use of ``business information'' 
more effectively allows individuals to find relevant provisions in VA's 
regulations. Accordingly, we believe that revising the term to 
``confidential commercial information'' in this section is not 
necessary.
    The third commenter also stated that the VA is not compliant with 
FOIA Improvement Act of 2016 in Sec.  1.559 unless it includes language 
in the appeals section that refers to the availability of dispute 
resolution services with OGIS. In addition, the first commenter noted 
that written appeal notices should also notify the requester of dispute 
resolution services offered by OGIS; the commenter suggested adding the 
following language to section (e), Responses to appeals: ``Dispute 
resolution is a voluntary process. If an agency agrees to participate 
in the dispute resolution services provided by OGIS, it will actively 
engage as a partner to the process in an attempt to resolve the 
dispute.''
    In response, we point out that VA appeal letters contain language 
notifying the requester of the option to pursue dispute resolution 
services with OGIS, although the regulations do not contain specific 
direction to do so. We believe that inclusion of the language in final 
agency decisions satisfies the requirements under the FOIA and that 
more specific direction as to the requester's option regarding dispute 
resolution services is more appropriate for inclusion in a policy 
document.
    The third commenter stated that VA's section regarding FOIA fees, 
Sec.  1.561, should begin by acknowledging that VA fee regulations must 
comply with OMB Fee Guidelines. In response, we note that VA's FOIA fee 
section addresses the requirements imposed by FOIA and OMB fee 
guidelines. We believe specific reference to the OMB fee guidelines at 
the outset of the regulation is superfluous; accordingly, we decline 
the commenter's suggestion in this regard.
    The first commenter suggested that VA add the definition of ``fee 
waiver'' to the ``definitions'' provided in Sec.  1.561; the commenter 
noted that even experienced requesters can be confused between 
requester category and fee waiver. We agree that addition of the 
definition is beneficial and revised the ``definitions'' section to 
include ``fee waiver.'' The revision is a natural outgrowth of the 
proposed rule in that it simply enlarges information already provided 
in the proposed rule.
    Further, the first commenter noted that Sec.  1.561(f) consists of 
a table summarizing FOIA requester fee categories, and that the table 
lists five categories. The commenter further noted that the 
corresponding Sec.  1.561(c)(2)-(4), identifying fee requester 
categories, consists of four categories. The commenter suggested that 
we combine the entries in the chart for Educational Institution and 
Non-Commercial Scientific Institution to create consistency between the 
section and the table. We agree with this suggestion and believe that 
the revision will resolve any confusion that the current structure 
could cause. Accordingly, we revised Sec.  1.561(f) to combine the 
categories in the table, per the suggestion. We note that the revision 
is not significant in that Educational Institution and Non-Commercial 
Scientific Institution are in the same fee category. The revision is a 
logical outgrowth and not a significant revision of the proposed rule.
    Lastly, with regard to Sec.  1.561(n), the first commenter noted 
that the FOIA does not require that requesters seeking a fee waiver or 
reduction respond to the agency with additional information within 10 
days or their fee waiver or reduction request will be closed. The 
commenter observed that other agencies that have a similar regulation 
allow 30 days and recommended that VA do the same.
    Upon consideration of this comment, VA notes that section (n)(1) 
relates to fee waiver or reduction requests. The section provides that 
the requester must provide adequate justification for the waiver or 
reduction. The additional 10 business days that the FOIA Officer may 
afford the requester under this section is based on the FOIA Officer's 
exercise of his or her discretion upon consideration of the information 
provided in support of the fee waiver request. Given that the requester 
is responsible for submitting justification at the outset, we believe 
that in those instances where additional information is needed, an 
additional 10 business days is sufficient. Accordingly, we decline to 
revise the regulation based on this comment.
    Finally, the third commenter noted that Sec.  1.580(c) fails to 
cite statutory authority for the change articulated in the proposed 
rule and questions why VA is ``. . . allowed to NOT respond to Privacy 
Act requests for access . . . and then amend errors that are causing 
bad decisions affecting Veterans--and not call it an OGC appealable 
denial of access?''
    In response, we first point out that the authority cited in the 
current regulation, 38 U.S.C. 501, supports VA's revision. Section 501 
provides that the Secretary has the authority to prescribe rules and 
regulations that are necessary or appropriate to carry out the laws 
administered by VA. In addition, the regulation does not ``allow VA to 
NOT respond . . .'' Rather, the regulation clarifies that Sec.  1.580 
applies to a written denial of a request rather than the absence of a 
denial. The requester has the right to appeal a written denial of 
access to OGC.
    The fourth and final commenter suggested that VA add language to 
Sec.  1.577 that is similar to the language of Sec.  1.554(d)(3), 
providing that if the requester does not reasonably describe the 
records being sought, VA will provide the requester the opportunity to 
modify the request to meet the elements required for a perfected 
request.
    We accept the commenter's suggestion and added language similar to 
that in Sec.  1.577 with regard to requests under the Privacy Act.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    This document contains no provisions constituting a collection of 
information under the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501-3521).

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Secretary of Veterans Affairs hereby certifies that this final 
rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial 
number of small entities as they are defined in the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601-612. This final rule concerns the 
procedures for requesting information from VA and the payment of 
certain fees for processing such requests. The fees prescribed by this 
final rule will generally comprise only an insignificant portion of a 
small entity's expenditures. Therefore, this final rule is exempt, 
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 605(b), from the initial and final regulatory 
flexibility analysis requirements of sections 603 and 604.

Executive Orders 12866, 13563 and 13771

    Executive Orders (E.O.s) 12866 and 13563 direct agencies to assess 
all costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, if 
regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize 
net benefits

[[Page 12125]]

(including potential economic, environmental, public health and safety 
effects, distributive impacts, and equity). E.O. 13563 emphasizes the 
importance of quantifying both costs and benefits of reducing costs, of 
harmonizing rules, and of promoting flexibility. E.O. 12866, Regulatory 
Planning and Review, defines ``significant regulatory action'' to mean 
any regulatory action that is likely to result in a rule that may: 
``(1) Have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more or 
adversely affect in a material way the economy, a sector of the 
economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, public 
health or safety, or State, local, or tribal governments or 
communities; (2) Create a serious inconsistency or otherwise interfere 
with an action taken or planned by another agency; (3) Materially alter 
the budgetary impact of entitlements, grants, user fees, or loan 
programs or the rights and obligations of recipients thereof; or (4) 
Raise novel legal or policy issues arising out of legal mandates, the 
President's priorities, or the principles set forth in this Executive 
order.''
    VA has examined the economic, interagency, budgetary, legal, and 
policy implications of this regulatory action and determined that the 
action is not a significant regulatory action under Executive Order 
12866. VA's impact analysis can be found as a supporting document at 
https://www.regulations.gov, usually within 48 hours after the 
rulemaking document is published. Additionally, a copy of the 
rulemaking and its impact analysis are available on VA's website at 
https://www.va.gov/orpm by following the link for VA Regulations 
Published from FY 2004 through FYTD. This proposed rule is not expected 
to be an E.O. 13771 regulatory action because this proposed rule is not 
significant under E.O. 12866.

Unfunded Mandates

    The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 requires, at 2 U.S.C. 
1532, that agencies prepare an assessment of anticipated costs and 
benefits before issuing any rule that may result in an expenditure by 
state, local, and tribal governments, in the aggregate, or by the 
private sector, of $100 million or more (adjusted annually for 
inflation) in any year. This final rule would have no such effect on 
state, local, and tribal governments, or on the private sector.

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance

    There is no Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number for the 
program affected by this final rule.

List of Subjects in 38 CFR Part 1

    Administrative practice and procedure, Archives and records, 
Cemeteries, Claims, Courts, Crime, Flags, Freedom of information, 
Government contracts, Government employees, Government property, 
Infants and children, Inventions and patents, Parking, Penalties, 
Privacy, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Seals and insignia, 
Security measures, and Wages.

Signing Authority

    The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, 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. Robert L. 
Wilkie, Secretary, Department of Veterans Affairs, approved this 
document on March 14, 2019, for publication.

    Dated: March 26, 2019
Consuela Benjamin,
Regulations Development Coordinator, Office of Regulation Policy & 
Management, Office of the Secretary, Department of Veterans Affairs.

    For the reasons stated in the preamble, VA amends 38 CFR part 1 as 
follows:

PART 1--GENERAL PROVISIONS

0
1. The authority citation for part 1 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  38 U.S.C. 501(a), and as noted in specific sections.


0
2. In Sec.  1.519, revise paragraph (c) to read as follows.


Sec.  1.519  Lists of names and addresses.

* * * * *
    (c) The Associate Deputy Assistant Secretary for Information 
Resources Management is authorized to release lists of names and 
addresses to organizations which have applied for such lists in 
accordance with paragraph (a) of this section, if he or she finds that 
the purpose for which the organization desires the names and addresses 
is directly connected with conduct of programs and the utilization of 
benefits under title 38 U.S.C. Lists of names and addresses authorized 
to be released pursuant to this paragraph shall not duplicate lists 
released to other elements, segments, or chapters of the same 
organization.
* * * * *

0
3. In Sec.  1.550, revise paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  1.550  Purpose.

* * * * *
    (b) Requests for records about an individual, protected under the 
Privacy Act, 5 U.S.C. 552a, including one's own records and records 
that pertain to an individual and that may be sensitive, will be 
processed under the FOIA and the Privacy Act. The FOIA applies to 
third-party requests for documents concerning the general activities of 
the Government and of VA in particular. When a U.S. citizen or an 
individual lawfully admitted for permanent residence requests access to 
his or her own records, it is considered a Privacy Act request. Such 
records are maintained by VA under the individual's name or personal 
identifier. Although requests are considered either FOIA requests or 
Privacy Act requests, agencies process requests in accordance with both 
laws, which provides the greatest degree of lawful access while 
safeguarding an individual's personal privacy. In addition to the 
following FOIA regulations, see 1.575 through 1.584 for regulations 
applicable of Privacy Act records.
* * * * *

0
4. In Sec.  1.551, add in alphabetical order a definition for ``FOIA 
public liaison'' and revise the definition of ``request'' to read as 
follows:


Sec.  1.551  Definitions.

* * * * *
    FOIA Public Liaison means a supervisory agency FOIA official who 
assists in the resolution of any disputes between the requester and the 
agency.
* * * * *
    Request means a written demand for records under the FOIA as 
described Sec.  1.554(a). The term request includes any action 
emanating from the initial demand for records, including any subsequent 
action related to the request.
* * * * *

0
5. In Sec.  1.552, revise paragraph (a) to read as follows:


Sec.  1.552  General provisions.

    (a) Additional information. Information regarding VA's FOIA and 
Privacy Act process generally, including how to file FOIA requests, and 
information made available by VA under the FOIA, is available at the 
following internet address: https://www.oprm.va.gov/foia/.
* * * * *

0
6. In Sec.  1.554, revise paragraphs (a) through (c), (d)(2) and (4), 
and (e) to read as follows:

[[Page 12126]]

Sec.  1.554  Requirements for making requests.

    (a) Requests by letter and facsimile (fax). The FOIA request must 
be in writing and may be by letter or fax. To assist in processing, the 
request letter, envelope, or fax cover sheet of any FOIA request should 
be marked ``Freedom of Information Act Request.'' Information helpful 
for filing a request, such as a list of VA FOIA contacts, VA's FOIA 
Reference Guide, and the text of the FOIA, are available on VA's FOIA 
homepage on the internet. See Sec.  1.552(a) for the pertinent internet 
address. VA has a decentralized FOIA system, meaning that each VA 
component, i.e., administrations and staff offices, the Veterans Health 
Administration (VHA) medical centers, Veterans Benefits Administration 
(VBA) regional offices, or offices located within the VA Central Office 
in Washington, DC (e.g., the Office of the Secretary), maintain their 
own FOIA processes and respond to FOIA requests directly. Accordingly, 
requesters must write directly to the FOIA Officer for the VA component 
that maintains the records. If requesting records from a particular 
medical facility, regional office, or Central Office component, the 
request should be sent to the FOIA Office at the address listed for 
that component. A legible return address must be included with the FOIA 
request; the requester may wish to include other contact information as 
well, such as a telephone number and email address. If the requester is 
not sure where to send the request, he or she should seek assistance 
from the FOIA Contact for the office believed to manage the programs 
whose records are being requested or, if these efforts fail, he or she 
should send the request to the Director, FOIA Service (005R1C), 810 
Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420, who will refer it for action 
to the FOIA contact at the appropriate component.
    (b) Requests by email. VA accepts email FOIA requests. To assure 
prompt processing, email FOIA requests must be sent to official VA FOIA 
mailboxes established for the purpose of receiving FOIA requests. An 
email FOIA request that is sent to an individual VA employee's mailbox, 
or to any other entity, will not be considered a perfected FOIA 
request. Mailbox addresses designated to receive email FOIA requests 
are available on VA's FOIA homepage. See Sec.  1.552(a) for the 
pertinent internet address.
    (c) The content of a request. Whether submitting the request by 
letter, fax, or email, the following applies: If the requester is 
seeking records about himself or herself or to which a confidentiality 
statute applies (38 U.S.C. 5701, e.g.), the requester must comply with 
the verification of identity requirements set forth in Sec.  1.577 of 
this part, which applies to requests for records maintained under the 
Privacy Act. If the requester is seeking records not covered by the 
Privacy Act, but which the requester believes may pertain to him or 
her, the requester may obtain greater access to the records by 
complying with the verification of identity requirements set forth in 
Sec.  1.577 of this part, by providing the image of the requester's 
signature (such as an attachment that shows the requester's handwritten 
signature), or by submitting a notarized, signed statement affirming 
his or her identity or a declaration made in compliance with 28 U.S.C. 
1746. The suggested language for a statement under 28 U.S.C. 1746 is 
included on VA's FOIA homepage; see Sec.  1.552(a) for the pertinent 
internet address. If the requester is seeking records pertaining to 
another individual under the FOIA, whether by letter, fax, or email, 
the requester may obtain greater access to the records if he or she 
provides satisfactory authorization to act on behalf of the record 
subject to receive the records or by submitting proof that the record 
subject is deceased (e.g., a copy of a death certificate or an 
obituary). Each component has discretion to require that a requester 
supply additional information to verify that a record subject has 
consented to disclosure.
    (d) * * *
    (2) Requests for voluminous amounts of records may be placed in a 
complex track of a multitrack processing system pursuant to Sec.  
1.556(b); such requests also may meet the criteria for ``unusual 
circumstances,'' which are processed in accordance with Sec.  1.556(c) 
and may require more than 20 business days to process despite the 
agency's exercise of due diligence.
* * * * *
    (4) The time limit for VA to process the FOIA request will not 
start until the FOIA Officer determines that the requester has 
reasonably described the records sought in the FOIA request. If the 
FOIA Officer seeks additional clarification regarding the request and 
does not receive the requester's written response within 30 calendar 
days of the date of its communication with the requester, he or she 
will conclude that the requester is no longer interested in pursuing 
the request and will close VA's files on the request.
    (e) Agreement to pay fees. The time limit for processing a FOIA 
request will be tolled while any fee issue is unresolved. Depending on 
the circumstances, the FOIA Officer will notify the requester of the 
following: That the FOIA Officer anticipates that the fees for 
processing the request will exceed the amount that the requester has 
stated a willingness to pay or will amount to more than $25.00 or the 
amount set by Office of Management and Budget fee guidelines, whichever 
is higher; whether the FOIA Officer is requiring the requester to agree 
in writing to pay the estimated fee; or whether advance payment of the 
fee is required prior to processing the request (i.e., if the estimated 
fee amount exceeds $250 or the requester previously has failed to pay a 
FOIA fee in a timely manner). If the FOIA Officer does not receive the 
requester's written response to the notice regarding any of these items 
within 10 business days of the date of the FOIA Officer's written 
communication with the requester, the FOIA Officer will close the 
request. If requesting a fee waiver under Sec.  1.561, the requester 
nonetheless may state his or her willingness to pay a fee up to an 
identified amount in the event that the fee waiver is denied; this will 
allow the component to process the FOIA request while considering the 
fee waiver request. If the requester pays a fee in advance, and VA 
later determines that the requester overpaid or is entitled to a full 
or partial fee waiver, a refund will be made. (For more information on 
the collection of fees under the FOIA, see Sec.  1.561.)
* * * * *

0
7. In Sec.  1.556, revise paragraphs (c)(1) and (d)(3) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  1.556  Timing of responses to requests.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (1) FOIA Officers may encounter ``unusual circumstances,'' where it 
is not possible to meet the statutory time limits for processing the 
request. In such cases, the FOIA Officer will extend the 20-business 
day time limit for 10 more business days and notify the requester in 
writing of the unusual circumstances and the date by which it expects 
to complete processing of the request. Where the extension exceeds 10 
working days, the agency must, as described by the FOIA, provide the 
requester with an opportunity to modify the request or arrange an 
alternative time period for processing the original or modified 
request; notice of the availability of the VA FOIA Public Liaison, and 
the right to seek dispute resolution services from the Office of 
Government Information Services.

[[Page 12127]]

Unusual circumstances consist of the following:
    (i) The need to search for and collect the requested records from 
field facilities or components other than the office processing the 
request;
    (ii) The need to search for, collect and examine a voluminous 
amount of separate and distinct records that are the subject of a 
single request; or
    (iii) The need for consultation with another agency or among two or 
more VA components or another agency having a substantial interest in 
the subject matter of a request.
* * * * *
    (d) * * *
    (3) Within 10 calendar days of its receipt of a request for 
expedited processing, the FOIA Officer shall determine whether to grant 
the request and will provide the requester written notice of the 
decision. If the FOIA Officer grants a request for expedited 
processing, the FOIA Officer shall give the request priority and 
process it as soon as practicable. If the FOIA Officer denies the 
request for expedited processing, the requester may appeal the denial, 
which appeal shall be addressed expeditiously.

0
8. In Sec.  1.557:
0
a. Revise paragraphs (a) and (c);
0
b. Redesignate paragraph (d) as paragraph (e);
0
c. Add new paragraph (d); and
0
d. Revise newly redesignated paragraph (e).
    The revisions and addition read as follows:


Sec.  1.557  Responses to requests.

    (a) Acknowledgement of requests. When a request for records is 
received by a component designated to receive requests, the component's 
FOIA Officer will assign a FOIA request number; the FOIA Officer will 
send the requester written acknowledgement of receipt of the request 
and will advise the requester of the assigned FOIA request number and 
how the requester may obtain the status of his or her request.
* * * * *
    (c) Time limits for processing requests. A component must advise 
the requester within 20 business days from the date of VA's receipt of 
the request whether the request is granted in its entirety, granted in 
part, or denied in its entirety and provide the reasons therefor. If 
the request must be referred to another component, the response time 
will begin on the date that the request was received by the appropriate 
component, but in any event not later than 10 business days after the 
referring office receives the FOIA request; the referring component has 
an affirmative duty to refer the FOIA request within 10 business days.
    (d) Grants of requests in full. When a component makes a 
determination to grant a request in full, it shall notify the requester 
in writing. The component also shall inform the requester of any fees 
charged under Sec.  1.561. The component also must inform the requester 
of his or her right to appeal and to seek mediation or the assistance 
of the appropriate VA FOIA Public Liaison and provide the contact 
information for the Liaison.
    (e) Adverse determinations of requests. When a component makes an 
adverse determination denying the request in any respect, the component 
FOIA Officer shall promptly notify the requester of the adverse 
determination in writing. Adverse determinations include decisions that 
a requested record is exempt from release in whole or in part, does not 
exist or cannot be located, is not readily reproducible in the form or 
format sought by the requester, or is not a record subject to the FOIA; 
adverse determinations also include denials regarding requests for 
expedited processing and requests involving fees, such as requests for 
fee waivers. The adverse determination notice must be signed by the 
component head or the component's FOIA Officer, and shall include the 
following:
    (1) The name and title or position of the person responsible for 
the adverse determination;
    (2) A brief statement of the reason(s) for the denial, including 
any FOIA exemptions applied by the FOIA Officer in denying the request;
    (3) The amount of information withheld in number of pages or other 
reasonable form of estimation; an estimate is not necessary if the 
volume is indicated on redacted pages disclosed in part or if providing 
an estimate would harm an interest provided by an applicable exemption;
    (4) Notice that the requester may appeal the adverse determination 
and a description of the requirements for an appeal under Sec.  1.559 
of this part; and
    (5) Notice that the requester may seek assistance or dispute 
resolution services from the VA FOIA Public Liaison or dispute 
resolution services from the Office of Government Information Services.

0
9. In Sec.  1.558, revise paragraphs (c)(3) and (e) to read as follows:


Sec.  1.558  Business information.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (3) Whenever the FOIA Officer notifies the submitter of VA's intent 
to disclose over the submitter's objections, the FOIA Officer will also 
notify the requester by separate correspondence.
* * * * *
    (e) Consideration of objection(s) and notice of intent to disclose. 
The FOIA Officer will consider all pertinent factors, including but not 
limited to, the submitter's timely objection(s) to disclosure and the 
specific grounds provided by the submitter for non-disclosure in 
deciding whether to disclose business information. Information provided 
by the submitter after the specified time limit and after the component 
has made its disclosure decision generally will not be considered. In 
addition to meeting the requirements of Sec.  1.557, when a FOIA 
Officer decides to disclose business information over the objection of 
a submitter, the FOIA Officer will provide the submitter with written 
notice, which includes:
    (1) A statement of the reason(s) why each of the submitter's 
disclosure objections were not sustained;
    (2) A description of the business information to be disclosed; and
    (3) A specified disclosure date of not less than 10 days from the 
date of the notice (to allow the submitter time to take necessary legal 
action).
* * * * *

0
10. In Sec.  1.559, revise paragraphs (b) through (d) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  1.559  Appeals

* * * * *
    (b) How to file and address a written appeal. The requester may 
appeal an adverse determination denying the request, in any respect, 
except for those concerning Office of Inspector General records, to the 
VA Office of the General Counsel (024), 810 Vermont Avenue NW, 
Washington, DC 20420. Any appeals concerning Office of Inspector 
General records must be sent to the VA Office of Inspector General, 
Office of Counselor (50), 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420. 
The FOIA appeal must be in writing and may be by letter or facsimile 
(fax); whichever method is used, the appeal must comply with all 
requirements of this paragraph and paragraph (d). Information regarding 
where to fax the FOIA appeal is available on VA's FOIA homepage on the 
internet. See Sec.  1.552(a) of this part for the pertinent internet 
address.
    (c) How to file an email appeal. VA accepts email appeals; the 
appeal must comply with all requirements of this paragraph and 
paragraph (d) of this section. In order to assure initial processing of 
an appeal filed by email, the email must be sent to one of the

[[Page 12128]]

official VA FOIA mailboxes established for the purpose of receiving 
FOIA appeals; an email FOIA appeal that is sent to an individual VA 
employee's mailbox, or to any other entity, will not be considered a 
perfected FOIA appeal. Mailbox addresses designated to receive email 
FOIA appeals are available on VA's FOIA homepage. See Sec.  1.552(a) of 
this part for the pertinent internet address.
    (d) Time limits and content of appeal. The appeal to the VA OGC 
(024) or VA Office of Inspector General (50) must be received or 
postmarked no later than 90 calendar days after the date of the adverse 
determination and must contain the following: A legible return address; 
clear identification of the determination being appealed, including any 
assigned request number (if no request number was assigned, other 
information must be provided such as the name of the FOIA officer, the 
address of the component, the date of the component's determination, if 
any, and the precise subject matter of the appeal); and identification 
of the part of the determination that is being appealed (if appealing 
only a portion of the determination). If the appeal involves records 
about the requester himself or herself or records to which a 
confidentiality statute applies, the requester must comply with the 
verification of identity requirements set forth in Sec.  1.577 of this 
part, which applies to requests for records maintained under the 
Privacy Act. If the appeal involves records not covered by the Privacy 
Act, but which the requester believes may pertain to him or her, the 
requester may obtain greater access to the records by complying with 
the verification of identity requirements set forth in Sec.  1.577 of 
this part, providing the image of the requester's signature (such as an 
attachment that shows the requester's handwritten signature), or 
submitting a notarized, signed statement affirming his or her identity 
or a declaration made in compliance with 28 U.S.C. 1746. The suggested 
language for a statement under 28 U.S.C. 1746 is included on VA's FOIA 
homepage. See Sec.  1.552(a) of this part for the pertinent internet 
address. If the appeal involves records pertaining to another 
individual (i.e., the requester is not the record subject), the 
requester may obtain greater access to the records if he or she 
provides satisfactory authorization to act on behalf of the record 
subject to receive the records or by submitting proof that the record 
subject is deceased (e.g., a copy of a death certificate or an 
obituary). Each component has discretion to require that a requester 
supply additional information to verify that a record subject has 
consented to disclosure. Appeals should be marked ``Freedom of 
Information Act Appeal.'' The requester may include other information 
as well, such as a telephone number and email address and a copy of the 
initial agency determination. An appeal is not perfected until VA 
either receives the required information identified above or the appeal 
is otherwise easily and sufficiently defined. The designated official 
within the Office of the General Counsel (024) will act on behalf of 
the Secretary on all appeals under this section, except those 
pertaining to the Office of Inspector General. The designated official 
in the Office of Inspector General will act on all appeals pertaining 
to Office of Inspector General records. A determination by the Office 
of General Counsel, or designated official within the Office of 
Inspector General, will be the final VA action.
* * * * *

0
11. Amend Sec.  1.561 by:
0
a. Revising paragraphs (a) and (b)(3);
0
b. Adding paragraph (b)(1);
0
c. Revising paragraphs (d)(2) and (e);
0
d. Revising paragraphs (f), (g) introductory text, and (g)(1);
0
e. Removing and reserving paragraph (g)(2), and
0
f. Revising paragraphs (h), (i), (l)(3) and (5), and (n)(1).
    The revisions and additions read as follows:


Sec.  1.561  Fees.

    (a) General. VA will charge for processing requests under the FOIA, 
as amended, and in accordance with this section. Requesters must pay 
fees by check or money order made payable to the Treasury of the United 
States. Payment by credit card also may be acceptable; the requester 
should contact the FOIA Officer for instructions on credit card 
payments. Note that fees associated with requests from VA 
beneficiaries, applicants for VA benefits, or other individuals, for 
records retrievable by their names or individual identifiers processed 
under 38 U.S.C. 5701 (records associated with claims for benefits) and 
5 U.S.C. 552a (the Privacy Act), will be assessed fees in accordance 
with the applicable regulatory fee provisions relating to VA benefits 
and VA Privacy Act records.
    (b) * * *
    (3) Direct costs mean expenses that VA incurs in responding to a 
FOIA request; direct costs include searching for and duplicating (and 
in the case of commercial use requesters, reviewing) records to respond 
to a FOIA request, the hourly wage of the employee performing the work 
plus 16 percent of the hourly wage, and the cost of operating 
duplication machinery. Direct costs do not include overhead expenses, 
such as the costs of space or heating and lighting of the facility 
where the records are kept.
* * * * *
    (10) Fee waiver means waiving or reducing processing fees if a 
requester can demonstrate that certain statutory standards are 
satisfied, including that the information is in the public interest and 
is not requested for commercial interest.
* * * * *
    (d) * * *
    (2) Duplication. When the agency provides duplicated records in 
response to a request, no more than one copy will be provided.
* * * * *
    (e) Limitations on charging fees. (1) When VA determines that a 
requester is an educational institution, a non-commercial scientific 
institution, or a representative of the news media, VA will not charge 
search fees.
    (2) VA charges fees in quarter hour increments; no search or review 
fee will be charged for a quarter hour period unless more than half of 
that period is required for search or review.
    (3) VA may provide free copies of records or free services in 
response to an official request from another government agency or a 
congressional office and when a component head or designee determines 
that doing so will assist in providing medical care to a VA patient or 
will otherwise assist in the performance of VA's mission.
    (4)(i) If VA fails to comply with the time limit to respond to a 
request, it may not charge search fees, or, in cases of requests from 
requesters described in paragraph (e)(1) of this section, may not 
charge duplication fees, except as described in paragraph (e)(4)(ii) 
through (iv) of this section.
    (ii) If VA has determined that unusual circumstances as defined by 
the FOIA apply and has provided timely written notice to the requester 
in accordance with the FOIA, a failure to comply with the time limit 
shall be excused for an additional 10 days.
    (iii) If VA has determined that unusual circumstances as defined by 
the FOIA apply and more than 5,000 pages are necessary to respond to 
the request, VA may charge search fees, or in the case of requesters 
described in paragraph (e)(1) of this section, may charge duplication 
fees, if the following steps are taken: VA must provide timely written 
notice of unusual circumstances

[[Page 12129]]

to the requester in accordance with the FOIA and must discuss with the 
requester via written mail, email or telephone (and later confirmed in 
writing) (or have made not less than three good-faith attempts to do 
so) how the requester could effectively limit the scope of the request 
in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a)(6)(B)(ii). If this exception is 
satisfied, the component may charge all applicable fees incurred in the 
processing of the request.
    (iv) if a court has determined that exceptional circumstances 
exist, as defined by the FOIA, a failure to comply with the time limits 
shall be excused for the length of time provided by the court order.
    (f) The following table summarizes the chargeable fees for each 
category of requester.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Category                      Search fees                  Review fees            Duplication fees
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Commercial Use...............  Yes........................  Yes........................  Yes.
(2) Educational Institution and    No.........................  No.........................  Yes (100 pages or 1
 Non-Commercial Scientific                                                                    disc free).
 Institution.
(3) News Media...................  No.........................  No.........................  Yes (100 pages or 1
                                                                                              disc free).
(4) All other....................  Yes (2 hours free).........  No.........................  Yes (100 pages or 1
                                                                                              disc free).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (g) Fee schedule. If it is determined that a fee will be charged 
for processing the FOIA request, VA will charge the direct cost to the 
agency and in accordance with the requester's fee category (see Sec.  
1.561(c)); to the extent possible, direct costs are itemized in 
paragraph 1 of this section. Duplication fees also are applicable to 
records provided in response to requests made under the Privacy Act 
(see Sec.  1.577(e),(f)).
    (1) Schedule of fees:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Activity                               Fees
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(i) Duplication of standard size (8\1/   Paper records: $0.15 per page.
 2\'' x 11''; 8\1/2\'' x 14'') paper     Electronic media: $3.00 per
 records or records on electronic media.  each compact disc (CD) or
                                          digital versatile disc (DVD).
(ii) Duplication of non-paper items      Direct cost to VA.
 (e.g., x-rays), paper records which
 are not of a standard size (e.g.,
 architectural drawings/construction
 plans or EKG tracings).
(iii) Record search by manual (non-      Hourly wage of the employee(s),
 automated) methods.                      plus 16 percent.
(iv) Record search using automated       Direct cost to VA.
 methods, such as by computer.
(v) Record review (for Commercial Use    Hourly rate of employees
 Requesters only).                        performing review to determine
                                          whether to release records and
                                          to prepare them for release,
                                          plus 16 percent.
(vi) Other activities, such as:          Direct cost to VA.
 Attesting under seal or certifying
 that records are true copies; sending
 records by special methods; forwarding
 mail; compiling and providing special
 reports, drawings, specifications,
 statistics, lists, abstracts or other
 extracted information; generating
 computer output; providing files under
 court process where the Federal
 Government is not a party to, and does
 not have an interest in, the
 litigation.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Note to paragraph (g)(1):  VA will charge fees consistent with 
the salary scale published by the Office of Personnel Management 
(OPM).

* * * * *
    (h) Notification of fee estimate or other fee issues. (1) VA will 
not charge the requester if the fee is $25.00 or less.
    (2) When a FOIA Officer determines or estimates that the fees to be 
charged under this section will amount to more than $25.00 or the 
amount set by OMB fee guidelines, whichever is higher, the FOIA Officer 
will notify the requester in writing of the actual or estimated amount 
of fees and ask the requester to provide written assurance of the 
payment of all fees or fees up to a designated amount, unless he or she 
has indicated a willingness to pay fees as high as those anticipated. 
Any such agreement to pay the fees shall be memorialized in writing. 
When the requester does not provide sufficient information upon which 
VA can identify a fee category (see paragraphs (c)(1) through (c)(4) of 
this section), or a clarification is otherwise required regarding a 
fee, the FOIA Officer may notify the requester and seek clarification; 
the notification to the requester will state that if a written response 
is not received within 10 days, the request will be closed. The 
timeline for responding to the request will be tolled and no further 
work will be done on the request until the fee issue has been resolved.
    (i) Charges for other services. Apart from the other provisions of 
this section, VA will charge the requester the direct costs of 
providing any special handling or services requested, such as 
certifying that records are true copies or sending them by other than 
ordinary mail. The FOIA Officer may choose to provide such a service as 
a matter of administrative discretion.
* * * * *
    (l) * * *
    (3) Where the requester previously has failed to pay a properly 
charged FOIA fee to VA within 30 days of the date of billing, a FOIA 
Officer may require the requester to pay the full amount due, plus any 
applicable interest as specified in this section, and to make an 
advance payment of the full amount of any anticipated fee, before the 
FOIA Officer begins to process a new request or continues to process a 
pending request from that requester.
* * * * *
    (5) In cases in which a FOIA Officer requires advance payment or 
payment is due under this section, the time for responding to the 
request will be tolled and further work will not be done on the request 
until the required payment is received.
* * * * *
    (n) * * *
    (1) Waiving or reducing fees. Fees for processing the request may 
be waived if the requester meets the criteria listed in this section. 
The requester must submit adequate justification for a fee waiver; 
without adequate justification, the request will be denied. The FOIA 
Officer may, at his or her discretion, communicate with the requester 
to seek

[[Page 12130]]

additional information, if necessary, regarding the fee waiver request. 
If the additional information is not received from the requester within 
10 days of the FOIA Officer's communication with the requester, VA will 
assume that the requester does not wish to pursue the fee waiver 
request and the fee waiver request will be closed. If the request for 
waiver or reduction is denied or closed, the underlying FOIA request 
will continue to be processed in accordance with the applicable 
provisions of this Part. Requests for fee waivers are decided on a 
case-by-case basis; receipt of a fee waiver in the past does not 
establish entitlement to a fee waiver each time a request is submitted.
* * * * *

0
12. In Sec.  1.577, revise paragraphs (c) and (e) to read as follows:


Sec.  1.577  Access to Records.

* * * * *
    (c) The VA component or staff office having jurisdiction over the 
records subject to the Privacy Act request will establish appropriate 
disclosure procedures, including notifying the individual who filed the 
Privacy Act request of the time, place, and conditions under which the 
VA will comply with the request, in accordance with applicable laws and 
regulations. Access requests for Privacy Act records or information 
must be sent to the staff office that maintains the records; the 
individual seeking access may consult the system of record notice 
(https://www.oprm.va.gov/privacy/systems_of_records.aspx) in order to 
identify the office to which the request should be sent. Each component 
has discretion to require that a requester supply additional 
information to verify his or her identity. If the Privacy Officer 
determines that the request does not reasonably describe the records 
being sought, the Privacy Officer will advise the requester how the 
request is insufficient; the Privacy Officer will provide an 
opportunity to discuss the request by documented telephonic 
communication or written correspondence in order to modify it to 
clearly identify the records being sought.
* * * * *
    (e) Fees to be charged, if any, to any individual for making copies 
of his or her record shall not include the cost of and search for and 
review of the record. Fees under $25.00 shall be waived. Fees to be 
charged are as follows:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Activity                               Fees
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Duplication of documents by any      $0.15 per page after first 100
 type of reproduction process to          one-sided pages or electronic
 produce plain one-sided paper copies     equivalent.
 of a standard size (8\1/2\'' x 11'';
 8\1/2\'' x 14''; 11'' x 14'').
(2) Duplication of non-paper records,    Direct cost to the Agency as
 such as microforms, audiovisual          defined in Sec.   1.561(b)(3)
 materials (motion pictures, slides,      of this part to the extent
 laser optical disks, video tapes,        that it pertains to the cost
 audio tapes, etc.), computer tapes and   of duplication.
 disks, diskettes for personal
 computers, and any other automated
 media output.
(3) Duplication of document by any type  Direct cost to the Agency as
 of reproduction process not covered by   defined in Sec.   1.561(b)(3)
 paragraphs (e)(1) or (2) of this         of this part to the extent
 section to produce a copy in a form      that it pertains to the cost
 reasonably usable by the requester.      of duplication.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


0
13. Revise Sec.  1.580 to read as follows:


Sec.  1.580  Administrative review.

    (a) Upon consideration and denial of a request under Sec.  1.577 or 
Sec.  1.579 of this part, the responsible VA official or designated 
employee will inform the requester in writing of the denial. The 
adverse determination notice must be signed by the component head or 
the component's Privacy Officer, and shall include the following:
    (1) The name and title or position of the person responsible for 
the adverse determination;
    (2) A brief statement of the reason(s) for the denial and the 
policy upon which the denial is based; and
    (3) Notice that the requester may appeal the adverse determination 
under paragraph (b) of this section to the Office of General Counsel 
(providing the address as follows: Office of General Counsel (024), 810 
Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420), and instructions on what 
information is required for an appeal, which includes why the 
individual disagrees with the initial denial with specific attention to 
one or more of the four standards (e.g., accuracy, relevance, 
timeliness, and completeness), and a copy of the denial letter and any 
supporting documentation that demonstrates why the individual believes 
the information does not meet these requirements.
    (b) The final agency decision in appeals of adverse determinations 
described in paragraph (a) of this section will be made by the 
designated official within the Office of General Counsel (024).
    (c) A written denial must have occurred to appeal to OGC. The 
absence of a response to an access or amendment request filed with a VA 
component is not a denial. If an individual has not received a response 
to a request for access to or amendment of records, the individual must 
pursue the request with the Privacy Officer of the administration 
office (e.g., the VHA, VBA, or National Cemetery Administration Privacy 
Officer) or staff office (e.g., the Office of Information Technology or 
Office of Inspector General Privacy Staff Officer) that has custody 
over the records.

[FR Doc. 2019-06101 Filed 3-29-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 8320-01-P