2022-21822. Agency Information Collection Activity: Application for Annual Clothing Allowance

AGENCY:

Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

Veterans Health Administration (VHA), 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.

DATES:

Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before December 6, 2022.

ADDRESSES:

Submit written comments on the collection of information through Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) at www.Regulations.gov or to Janel Keyes, Office of Regulations, Appeals, and Policy (10BRAP), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 or email to [e-mail]. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0198” in any correspondence. During the comment period, comments may be viewed online through FDMS.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Maribel Aponte, Office of Enterprise and Integration, Data Governance Analytics (008), 810 Vermont Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20006, [phone] or email [e-mail]. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0198” in any correspondence.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Under the PRA of 1995, 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, VHA invites comments on: (1) whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of VHA's functions, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of VHA'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.

Authority:Public Law 104-13; 44 U.S.C. 3501-3521.

Title: Application for Annual Clothing Allowance, VA Form 10-8678.

OMB Control Number: 2900-0198.

Type of Review: Reinstatement of a previously approved collection.

Abstract: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) through its Veterans Health Administration (VHA) administers an integrated program of benefits and services, established by law for veterans, service personnel, and their dependents and/or beneficiaries. Information is requested by this form under the authority of 38 U.S.C., Section 1162, Clothing Allowance, which provides authority for the Secretary to pay a clothing allowance to veterans who, because of a service-connected disability, wear or use a prosthetic or orthopedic appliance (including a wheelchair) which tends to wear out or tear clothing or uses medication that causes irreparable damage to the outer garments. Entitlement to this benefit is granted by 38 CFR 3.810, Clothing Allowance, upon application by the eligible individual. VA Form 10-8678 is used to collect the necessary information to determine if the veteran has established entitlement to a clothing allowance payment.

Affected Public: Individuals or households.

Estimated Annual Burden: 1,120 hours.

Estimated Average Burden per Respondent: 10 minutes.

Frequency of Response: Once annually.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 6,720.

By direction of the Secretary.

Maribel Aponte,

VA PRA Clearance Officer, Office of Enterprise and Integration/Data Governance Analytics, Department of Veterans Affairs.