Privacy Act of 1974: Access to records: Veterans Administration. Final rule

The Veterans Administration (VA) amends one of its regulations governing an individual's access to his or her VA records. The regulation sets forth special procedures, currently provided for in internal VA manuals, to be used to cases where an individual seeks access to his or her VA records and the granting of such access would result in harm to the individual's mental or physical health. Additionally, the VA is rearranging the provisions of 38 CFR 1.577 and 1.579 so that the first section will concern access to records by individuals, and the second section will concern amendment of records. This action is being taken to eliminate the confusion which existed in the application and understanding of the preexisting VA regulations involved. This action will clarify the VA regulations involved and thus better inform the public of their rights with regard to records pertaining to them that are maintained by the VA.