Court Denies Plaintiff's Request to Amend VA Medical Record

Magistrate judge's recommendation to deny preliminary injunction upheld despite plaintiff's challenges.

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

A U.S. District Court has denied a plaintiff's request for a preliminary injunction to amend his VA medical record. The plaintiff, Steven Roger Mannon, challenged a magistrate judge's recommendation to deny the request, arguing he is likely to succeed on the merits and will suffer irreparable harm. However, the court found the plaintiff's objections unpersuasive and adopted the magistrate judge's recommendation in full, denying Mannon's motion for preliminary injunction.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges individuals can face in trying to amend their medical records, even when they believe the information is inaccurate. The court's decision upholds the VA's ability to maintain records as it deems appropriate, despite the plaintiff's concerns about the impact on his medical treatment and benefits.

The details

Mannon brought a lawsuit under the Privacy Act, seeking to amend a note in his VA medical record that stated he "has been aggressive with providers at the pain clinic," "resistant to multidisciplinary treatment," and had concerns about his cannabinoid use and missed mental health appointments. Mannon argued this note has led to changes in his pain management treatment and delays in benefits. The magistrate judge recommended denying Mannon's request for a preliminary injunction, concluding he was unlikely to succeed on the merits and failed to show irreparable harm. The court adopted the magistrate judge's recommendation, finding Mannon's objections unpersuasive.

  • Mannon filed the lawsuit in 2026.
  • The magistrate judge issued the report and recommendation on February 3, 2026.
  • The court adopted the magistrate judge's recommendation on February 4, 2026.

The players

Steven Roger Mannon

The plaintiff who filed the lawsuit seeking to amend his VA medical record.

Dr. Devon Shuchman

The VA provider who added the note to Mannon's medical record that he is challenging.

Magistrate Judge Elizabeth A. Stafford

The magistrate judge who recommended denying Mannon's request for a preliminary injunction.

U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan

The court that adopted the magistrate judge's recommendation and denied Mannon's motion for preliminary injunction.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.