2015-10104. Proposed Information Collection (Notice of Disagreement) Activity: Comment Request

AGENCY:

Veterans Benefits Administration, VA.

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 revision of a currently approved collection, and allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice.

VA Form 21-0958, will be used by the Veteran to initiate an appeal by indicating disagreement with a decision issued by a Regional Office (RO).

DATES:

Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before June 29, 2015.

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 (20M33), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420 or email to [e-mail]. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0791” 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. 3501-21), 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: Notice of Disagreement (VA Form 21-0958).

OMB Control Number: 2900-0791.

Type of Review: Revision of a currently approved collection.

Abstract: VA Form 21-0958, will be used by the Veteran to initiate an appeal by indicating disagreement with a decision issued by a Regional Office (RO). Historically, VBA commenced a pilot program on March 1, 2012 and provided the NOD in all decision and notification letters at the pilot location. VA Form 21-0958, is the first step in the appeal process. The respondent may or may not continue with an appeal to the Board of Veterans Appeals (BVA). If the Veteran opts to continue to BVA for an appeal, this form will be included in the claim folder as evidence. VA will provide VA Form 21-0958 to claimants with the notification letter of the decision in paper form, via hyperlink to VA's Web site, or through its electronic claims processing system. The use of VA Form 21-0958 is mandatory when claimants want to initiate an appeal from a decision on disability compensation claims dated on or after March 24, 2015.

Affected Public: Individuals or households.

Estimated Annual Burden: 72,000.

Estimated Average Burden per Respondent: 30 minutes.

Frequency of Response: One time.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 144,000.

By direction of the Secretary:

Crystal Rennie,

VA Clearance Officer, Department of Veterans Affairs.