E9-2708. Proposed Information Collection (Appointment of Veterans Service Organization or Individuals as Claimant's Representative) 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 currently approved collection, and allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. This notice solicits comments for information needed to determine whether claimant appointed a veterans service organization or an individual to prosecute their VA claims.

DATES:

Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before April 13, 2009.

ADDRESSES:

Submit written comments on the collection of information through Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) at http://www.Regulations.gov or to Nancy J. Kessinger, Veterans Benefits Administration (20M35), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20420 or e-mail to [e-mail]. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0321” 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.

Titles: Appointment of Veterans Service Organization as Claimant's Representative, VA Form 21-22 and Appointment of Individual as Claimant's Representative, VA Form 21-22a.

OMB Control Number: 2900-0321.

Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Abstract: Claimants complete VA Forms 21-22 and 21-22a to appoint a veterans service organization or an individual to assist in the preparation, representation, and prosecution of claims for VA benefits and to authorize VA to disclose any or all records to the appointed representative.

Affected Public: Individuals or households.

Estimated Annual Burden:

a. VA Form 21-22—27,083 hours.

b. VA Form 21-22a—533 hours.

Estimated Average Burden per Respondent: 5 minutes.

Frequency of Response: One time.

Estimated Number of Respondents:

a. VA Form 21-22—325,000.

b. VA Form 251-22a—6,400.

Dated: February 2, 2009.

By direction of the Secretary.

Denise McLamb,

Program Analyst, Enterprise Records Service.