VA Tweaks Veteran Record System for Better Privacy
Published Date: 7/2/2026
Notice
Summary
The VA is updating how it handles veterans' medical records to keep things safer, clearer, and more organized. This affects veterans who get care through the VA, with changes to where and how records are stored and accessed. The new system is effective July 2, 2026, and the VA is asking for public comments by August 3, 2026—no extra costs for veterans, just better privacy and service.
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 6 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Your Telehealth and Non‑VA Care Are in VA Records
VA explicitly updated the system purpose to include telehealth and amended categories of records so medical information is included "regardless of where health care is provided." This means telehealth encounters and care from non‑VA providers can be part of the consolidated VA medical record.
VA Stores Records in Cloud and Contract Centers
VA records will be maintained at each VA health care facility and in VA Enterprise Cloud data centers/Amazon Web Services (Seattle, WA) and contracted repository sites such as Cerner Technology Centers (Primary Data Center in Chicago, IL and Disaster Recovery Data Center in Ashburn, VA), and VA Boston Development Center. The modified system is effective July 2, 2026.
VA May Share Records Widely With Agencies and Parties
The notice lists routine uses that allow VA to disclose medical records to many parties including Federal, State, and local agencies, researchers, insurers, contractors, the Department of Justice, DoD, FDA, CMS, accrediting bodies, and others for specified purposes like claims, research, investigations, and quality review.
How to Request Your VA Records
If you want access to your VA medical records, you must contact the system manager in writing or the last VA facility where you received care. Your request must include your full name, address, telephone number, be signed, and describe the records you want in enough detail for VA to find them.
How to Contest or Amend Records
If you want to contest or amend a VA medical record about you, you should contact the system manager in writing or the last VA facility where you received care. Your request must be signed, clearly state which record is being contested, explain why, and propose the amendment you want.
Ask to Be Notified If VA Has Your Record
You can ask to be notified if a record in this VA system pertains to you by submitting a request using the same Record Access Procedures (contacting the system manager or last VA facility and following the request rules).
New IDs Used to Find Your Records
VA added integration control number (ICN) and Electronic Data Interchange Personal Identifier (EDIPI) to the policies for retrievability and updated categories of record identifiers. Records are retrievable by name, SSN, ICN, EDIPI, FIN, and medical record number.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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