03-30573. 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 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 the monetary allowance for a child of a Vietnam veteran born with spina bifida or birth defects.

DATES:

Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before February 9, 2004.

ADDRESSES:

Submit written comments on the collection of information to Nancy J. Kessinger, Veterans Benefits Administration (20S52), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20420. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0572” in any correspondence.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Nancy J. Kessinger at [phone] or FAX [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Under the PRA of 1995 (Public Law 104-13; 44 U.S.C., 3501-3520), 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: Application for Spina Bifida Benefits, VA Form 21-0304.

OMB Control Number: 2900-0572.

Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Abstract: 38 U.S.C 1815, Children of Women Vietnam Veterans Born with Certain Birth Defects, authorizes payment of monetary benefits to, or on behalf of, certain children of female veterans who served in Republic of Vietnam. To be eligible, the child must be the biological child; conceived after the date the veteran first served in Vietnam during the period February 28, 1961 to May 7, 1975; and have certain birth defects resulting in permanent physical or mental disability.

38 U.S.C. 1805, Spina Bifida Benefits Eligibility, authorizes payment to a spina bifida child-claimant to parent(s) who performed active military, naval, or air service during the Vietnam era during the period January 9, 1962 to May 7, 1975. The child must be the natural child of a Vietnam veteran, regardless of age or marital status, who was conceived after the date on which the veteran first entered the Republic of Vietnam during the Vietnam era. Spina Bifida benefits are payable for all types of spina bifida except spina bifida occulta. The law does not allow payment of both benefits at the same time. If entitlement exists under both laws, benefits will be paid under 38 U.S.C. 1815.

VA Form 21-0304 is used to gather the necessary information to determine eligibility for a monetary allowance and appropriate level of payment.

Affected Public: Individuals or households.

Estimated Annual Burden: 335 hours.

Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent: 10 minutes.

Frequency of Response: On occasion.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 2,000.

Dated: November 28, 2003.

By direction of the Acting Secretary.

Jacqueline Parks,

IT Specialist, Records Management Service.