05-2915. 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 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 for information needed to determine entitlement to dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC), death pension and accrued benefits.

DATES:

Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before April 18, 2005.

ADDRESSES:

Submit written comments on the collection of information to Nancy J. Kessinger, Veterans Benefits Administration (20M35), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20420 or e-mail: [e-mail]. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0004” in any correspondence.

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., 3501-3520), 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.

Titles:

a. Application for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, Death Pension and Accrued Benefits by a Surviving Spouse or Child (Including Death Compensation if Applicable), VA Form 21-534.

b. Application for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation by a Surviving Spouse or Child—In-service Death Only, VA Form 21-543a.

OMB Control Number: 2900-0004.

Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Abstract:

a. VA Form 21-534 is used to gather the necessary information to determine surviving spouse and/or children of veterans entitlement to dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC), death benefits, (including death compensation is applicable), and any accrued benefits not paid to the veteran prior to death.

b. Military Casualty Assistance Officers complete VA Form 21-534 to assist surviving spouse and/or children of veterans who died on active duty in processing claims for dependency and indemnity compensation benefits. Accrued benefits and death compensation are not payable in claims for DIC.

Affected Public: Individuals or households.

Estimated Annual Burden:

a. VA Form 21-534-76,136.

b. VA Form 21-534a-600.

Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent:

a. VA Form 21-534-75 minutes.

b. VA Form 21-534a-15 minutes.

Frequency of Response: One time.

Estimated Number of Respondents:

a. VA Form 21-534-76,136.

b. VA Form 21-534a-600.

Dated: February 3, 2005.

By direction of the Secretary.

Loise Russell,

Director, Records Management Service.