2013-27411. Proposed Information Collection (Annual Certification of Veteran Status and Veteran-Relatives) Activity: Comment Request

AGENCY:

Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) 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 revision 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 identify and properly protect VA benefit records.

DATES:

Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before January 14, 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. 2900-0654” in any correspondence. During the comment period, comments may be viewed online through the 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: Annual Certification of Veteran Status and Veteran-Relatives, VA Form 20-0344.

OMB Control Number: 2900-0654.

Type of Review: Revision of a currently approved collection.

Abstract: VBA employees, non-VBA employees in VBA space and Veteran Service Organization employees who have access to VA's benefit records complete VA Form 20-0344. These individuals are required to provide personal identifying information on themselves and any veteran relatives, in order for VA to identify and protect benefit records. VA uses the information collected to determine which benefit records require special handling to guard against fraud, conflict of interest, improper influence etc., by VA and non-VA employees.

Affected Public: Individuals or households.

Estimated Annual Burden: 5,834 hours.

Estimated Average Burden per Respondent: 25 minutes.

Frequency of Response: Annually.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 14,000.

Dated: November 12, 2013.

By direction of the Secretary.

Crystal Rennie,

Department Clearance Officer, Department of Veterans Affairs.