E8-31287. Proposed Information Collection (Report of General Information) Activity: 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 new collection, and allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. This notice solicits comments for information needed as evidence to determine a claimant's entitlement to benefits.

DATES:

Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before March 6, 2009.

ADDRESSES:

Submit written comments on the collection of information through Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) at http://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-New (VA Form 21-0820)” in any correspondence. During the comment period, comments may be viewed online through FDMS.

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.

Titles:

a. VA Form 21-0820, Report of General Information.

b. VA Form 21-0820a, Report of Death of Beneficiary.

c. VA Form 21-0820b, Report of Nursing Home Information.

d. VA Form 21-0820c, Report of Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS).

e. VA Form 21-0820d, Report of Lost Check.

f. VA Form 21-0820e, Report of Incarceration.

OMB Control Number: 2900-New (VA Form 21-0820).

Type of Review: New collection.

Abstract: The forms will be used by VA personnel to document verbal information obtained telephonically from claimants or their beneficiary. The data collected will be used as part of the evidence needed to determine the claimant's or beneficiary's eligibility for benefits.

Affected Public: Federal Government.

Estimated Annual Burden:

a. VA Form 21-0820, Report of General Information—19,667.

b. VA Form 21-0820a, Report of Death of Beneficiary—6,667.

c. VA Form 21-0820b, Report of Nursing Home Information—2,500.

d. VA Form 21-0820c, Report of Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS)—2,500.

e. VA Form 21-0820d, Report of Lost Check—2,500.

f. VA Form 21-0820e, Report of Incarceration—833.

Estimated Average Burden per Respondent: 5 minutes.

Frequency of Response: Hourly.

Estimated Number of Respondents:

a. VA Form 21-0820, Report of General Information—2,360,000.

b. VA Form 21-0820a, Report of Death of Beneficiary—80,000.

c. VA Form 21-0820b, Report of Nursing Home Information—30,000.

d. VA Form 21-0820c, Report of Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS)—30,000.

e. VA Form 21-0820d, Report of Lost Check—30,000.

f. VA Form 21-0820e, Report of Incarceration—10,000.

Dated: December 24, 2008.

By direction of the Secretary.

Denise McLamb,

Program Analyst, Enterprise Records Service.