2011-29363. Proposed Information Collection (Application for Annual Clothing Allowance) Activity: Comment Request

AGENCY:

Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) 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 veteran's eligibility for clothing allowance.

DATES:

Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before January 17, 2012.

ADDRESSES:

Submit written comments on the collection of information through the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) at http://www.Regulations.gov or to Cynthia Harvey-Pryor, Veterans Health Administration (10P7BFP), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420; or email: [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:

Cynthia Harvey-Pryor 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, 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.

Title: Application for Annual Clothing Allowance (Under 38 U.S.C. 1162), VA Form 10-8678.

OMB Control Number: 2900-0198.

Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Abstract: VA Form 10-8678 is used to gather the necessary information to determine if a veteran is eligible for clothing allowance benefits due to a service connected disability. Clothing allowance is payable if the veteran uses a prosthetic or orthopedic device (including a wheelchair) that tends to wear out or tear clothing or is prescribe medication for skin condition that causes irreparable damage to outer garments.

Affected Public: Individuals or households.

Estimated Total Annual Burden: 1,120 hours.

Estimated Average Burden per Respondent: 10 minutes.

Frequency of Response: Annually.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 6,720.

Dated: November 8, 2011.

By direction of the Secretary.

Denise McLamb,

Program Analyst, Enterprise Records Service.