Source: https://veteranclaims.net/2009/03/11/vets-correcting-records/
Timestamp: 2019-04-25 12:54:12+00:00

Document:
Under 5 U.S.C. § 552a(d)(2), each agency that maintains a system of records within the scope of that statute must permit an individual “to request amendment of a record pertaining to him.” When such a request is received, the agency must either “make any correction of any portion [of the record] which the individual believes is not accurate, relevant, timely, or complete” or must inform the individual of the reasons for refusing to amend the record and the procedures for requesting review of that refusal. Courts have held that expungement of agency records is an appropriate remedy under 5 U.S.C. § 552a. See Hobson v. Wilson, 737 F.2d 1, 64 (D.C. Cir. 1984), cert. denied, 470 U.S. 1084 (1985); R.R. v. Department of Army, 482 F. Supp. 770, 774 (D.D.C. 1980). If documents are permanently removed from a claims file on the claimant’s request in accordance with 5 U.S.C. § 552a(d)(2), such action would not, in our view, constitute “unlawful” removal of Government records within the meaning of 18 U.S.C. § 2071.
(b) The administration or staff office having jurisdiction over the records involved will establish procedures for reviewing a request from an individual concerning the amendment of any record or information pertaining to the individual, for making a determination on the request, for an appeal within the Department of Veterans Affairs of an initial adverse Department of Veterans Affairs determination, and for whatever additional means may be necessary for each individual to be able to exercise fully, his or her right under 5 U.S.C. 552a.
(1) Headquarters officials designated as responsible for the amendment of records or information located in Central Office and under their jurisdiction include, but are not limited to: Secretary; Deputy Secretary, as well as other appropriate individuals responsible for the conduct of business within the various Department of Veterans Affairs administrations and staff offices. These officials will determine and advise the requester of the identifying information required to relate the request to the appropriate record, evaluate and grant or deny requests to amend, review initial adverse determinations upon request, and assist requesters desiring to amend or appeal initial adverse determinations or learn further of the provisions for judicial review.

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