The A - Z Guide: Veterans VA Disability Benefits
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Join the Army, see the world, travel to exotic distant lands, meet interesting people - and kill them. Pacifist Badge, 1978
Freedom of Information Act
VA FOIA
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) provides that any person has a right of access to Federal agency records, except to the extent that such records are protected from release by a FOIA exemption or a special law enforcement record exclusion.
It is VA's policy to release information to the fullest extent under the law.
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (DOJ)FOIA (Wiki)
FOIA (US Code)
What is FOIA?
Having problems getting answers to your questions? Can't find your records? Would you like to force the system to hear you? FOIA may help.
The Freedom of Information Act is one of the more effective tools available that makes the system work for you. Learn how to use it properly.
VACO FOIA Offices, Requester Service Centers & Public Liaisons
http://www.foia.va.gov/FOIA_Offices.asp
VA FOIA
Sample Letter
Date Certified Mail, RRR
Department of Veterans Affairs
810 Vermont Avenue, NW
(005R1) VACO
Washington, DC 20420
January 5, 2011
ATTN: Freedom of Information and Privacy Act Officer
Dear FOIA Officer:
Under the Freedom of Information Act, I am requesting access to report/spreadsheet (here you carefully and specifically name the documents you are looking for).
If this already available online, please point me to the correct url.
If there are any fees charged for searching or copying the records, please supply the records without informing me of the cost if the fees do not exceed $5.00, which I agree to pay.
If you deny any part of this request, please cite each specific reason that you think justifies your refusal to release the information. Please notify me of appeal procedures available under the law.
If you have any questions processing this request, you may contact me at the following telephone number: (123) 456-7890
Sincerely,
Sign it
Your name and address