2013-11845. Proposed Information Collection (Request for Details of Expenses) 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 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 a claimant's appropriate rate of pension.

DATES:

Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before July 19, 2013.

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. 2900-0138” 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 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: Request for Details of Expenses, VA Form 21-8049.

OMB Control Number: 2900-0138.

Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Abstract: VA will use the data collected on VA Form 21-8049 to determine the amounts of any deductible expenses paid by the claimant and/or commercial life insurance received in order to calculate the current rate of pension. Pension is an income-based program, and the payable rate depends on the claimant's annual income.

Affected Public: Individuals or households.

Estimated Annual Burden: 5,700 hours.

Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent: 15 minutes.

Frequency of Response: One time.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 22,800.

Dated: May 14, 2013.

By direction of the Secretary.

William F. Russo,

Deputy Director, Office of Regulations Policy and Management, Office of General Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs.