E8-1086. Proposed Information Collection (Information Regarding Apportionment of Beneficiary's Award); Comment Request

AGENCY:

Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), is announcing an opportunity for public comment on the proposed collection of certain information by the agency. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, Federal agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension of a currently approved collection and allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. This notice solicits comments on information needed to determine a spouse and children entitlement to a portion of a veteran or beneficiary's compensation and pension benefits.

DATES:

Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before March 24, 2008.

ADDRESSES:

Submit written comments on the collection of information through www.Regulations.gov or to Nancy J. Kessinger, Veterans Benefits Administration (20M35), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20420 or e-mail to [e-mail]. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0666” in any correspondence. During the comment period, comments may be viewed online through the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) at www.Regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Nancy J. Kessinger at [phone] or FAX [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Under the PRA of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13; 44 U.S.C. 3501—3521), Federal agencies must obtain approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for each collection of information they conduct or sponsor. This request for comment is being made pursuant to Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA.

With respect to the following collection of information, VBA invites comments on: (1) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of VBA's functions, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of VBA's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or the use of other forms of information technology.

Title: Information Regarding Apportionment of Beneficiary's Award, VA Form 21-0788.

OMB Control Number: 2900-0666.

Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Abstract: The data collected on VA Form 21-0788 is used to determine whether a veteran's or beneficiary's compensation and pension benefits may be allocated to his or her dependents. The veteran and the beneficiary use the form to report their income information in order for VA to determine the amount of benefits that may be apportioned to a spouse and children who do not reside with the veteran. A portion of the surviving spouse's benefits may be allocated to children of deceased veterans, who do not reside with the surviving spouse.

Affected Public: Individuals or households.

Estimated Annual Burden: 12,500 hours.

Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent: 30 minutes.

Frequency of Response: One time.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 25,000.

Dated: January 14, 2008.

By direction of the Secretary.

Denise McLamb,

Program Analyst, Records Management Service.