VA Tweaks Database Tracking Crimes Against Veterans
Published Date: 6/11/2026
Notice
Summary
The Department of Veterans Affairs is updating its records system that helps investigate crimes involving veterans. These changes improve how information is stored, accessed, and kept safe. If you want to share your thoughts, you have 30 days from June 11, 2026, to comment before the new rules take effect.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
Records Exempt from Privacy Act Access
Most records in the VA OIG Criminal Investigations system are exempt from regular Privacy Act access and contesting rules under 5 U.S.C. 552a(j) and (k) and other cited provisions. That means you may not be able to see or amend many investigation records that VA OIG holds about you.
Records Used to Prevent or Recoup Improper Payments
VA will use records in this system to prevent, detect, or recoup fraud and improper payments in VA programs, and may disclose information to the Department of the Treasury to help identify, prevent, or recoup such improper payments. The Purpose section explicitly includes prevention, detection, or recoupment of fraud and improper payments.
Records May Be Shared for Law Enforcement and Discipline
VA OIG may disclose records to law enforcement authorities, the Department of Justice, courts, professional licensing and disciplinary boards, and others for investigations, prosecutions, litigation, or administrative proceedings. These routine uses include sharing names, addresses, and investigative material as relevant and necessary to legal or disciplinary actions.
You Must Prove Identity to Get Records
If you request records about yourself from the Criminal Investigations system, you must send a written, signed request that includes your full name, address, telephone number, proof of identity, and a clear description of the records so VA can find them. The notice also clarifies that the system manager handles access requests.
Breach Response Sharing with Other Agencies
If VA suspects or confirms a breach of these investigation records, VA may share information with appropriate agencies, entities, and persons to respond to or remediate the breach. VA may also share information with other Federal agencies when reasonably necessary to prevent, minimize, or remedy harm from a breach.
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