2014-23520. Proposed Information Collection (Exam for Housebound Status or Permanent Need for Regular Aid and Attendance) 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 extension of a currently approved collection and allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. This notice solicits comment on information needed to determine eligibility for aid and attendance and/or housebound benefits.

DATES:

Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before December 1, 2014.

ADDRESSES:

Submit written comments on the collection of information through Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) at www.Regulations.gov or to Nancy J. Kessinger, Veterans Benefits Administration (20M35), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 or email [e-mail]. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0721” 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.

Title: Exam for Housebound Status or Permanent Need for Regular Aid and Attendance, VA Form 21-2680.

OMB Control Number: 2900-0721.

Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Abstract: VA will use VA Form 21-2680 to gather medical information that is necessary to determine beneficiaries or claimants receiving treatment from private doctors or physicians, eligibility for aid and attendance or housebound benefit.

Affected Public: Business or other for-profit.

Estimated Annual Burden: 7,000 hours.

Estimated Average Burden per Respondent: 30 minutes.

Frequency of Response: One time.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 14,000.

Dated: September 29, 2014.

By direction of the Secretary.

Crystal Rennie,

Department Clearance Officer, Department of Veterans Affairs.