E7-19998. Proposed Information Collection Activity: Proposed Collection; 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 for information needed to obtain evidence to substantiate claims for service connection post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

DATES:

Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before December 10, 2007.

ADDRESSES:

Submit written comments on the collection of information through 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. 2900-0659” in any correspondence. During the comment period, comments may be viewed online through the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) at: http://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.

Titles:

a. Statement in Support of Claim for Service Connection for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), VA Form 21-0781.

b. Statement in Support of Claim for Service Connection for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Secondary to Personal Assault, VA Form 21-0781a.

OMB Control Number: 2900-0659.

Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Abstract: Veterans seeking compensation for post-traumatic stress disorder who need VA's assistance in obtaining evidence from military records and other sources to substantiate their claims of in-service stressors must complete VA Forms 21-0781 and 21-0791a. Veterans who did not serve in combat or were not a prisoner of war and are claiming compensation for post-traumatic stress disorder due to in-service stressors must provide credible supporting evidence that the claimed in-service stressor occurred.

Affected Public: Individuals or households.

Estimated Annual Burden:

a. Statement in Support of Claim for Service Connection for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), VA Form 21-0781—16,800 hours.

b. Statement in Support of Claim for Service Connection for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Secondary to Personal Assault, VA Form 21-0781a—980 hours.

Estimated Average Burden per Respondent:

a. Statement in Support of Claim for Service Connection for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), VA Form 21-0781—70 minutes.

b. Statement in Support of Claim for Service Connection for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Secondary to Personal Assault, VA Form 21-0781a—70 minutes.

Frequency of Response: On occasion.

Estimated Number of Respondents:

a. Statement in Support of Claim for Service Connection for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), VA Form 21-0781—14,400.

b. Statement in Support of Claim for Service Connection for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Secondary to Personal Assault, VA Form 21-0781a—840.

Dated: October 2, 2007.

By direction of the Secretary.

Denise McLamb,

Program Analyst, Records Management Service.