2013-13700. Proposed Information Collection (Hand and Finger Disability Benefits Questionnaire) 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 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 new collection, and allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. This notice solicits comments on information needed for disability compensation or pension claims which require an examination and/or receiving private medical evidence that may potentially be sufficient for rating purposes.

DATES:

Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before August 12, 2013.

ADDRESSES:

Submit written comments on the collection of information through Federal Docket Management System (FDMS), 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-NEW (Hand or Finger Disability Benefits Questionnaire)” 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 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: Hand and Finger Disability Benefits Questionnaire, VA Form 21-0960M-7.

OMB Control Number: 2900-NEW (Hand and Finger Disability Benefits Questionnaire).

Type of Review: New data collection.

Abstract: VA Form 21-0960M-7 will be used for disability compensation or pension claims which require an examination and/or receiving private medical evident that may potentially be sufficient for rating purposes.

Affected Public: Individuals or Households.

Estimated Annual Burden: 15,000 hours.

Estimated Average Burden per Respondent: 30 minutes.

Frequency of Response: On occasion.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 30,000.

Dated: June 5, 2013.

By direction of the Secretary.

Crystal Rennie,

VA Clearance Officer, Enterprise Records Service, Office of Information Security, Office of Information and Technology, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.