E9-13779. Proposed Information Collection (Authorization To Substitute a Claim of a Deceased Claimant) 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 new collection, and allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. This notice solicits comments on the information needed to allow a beneficiary to request to be substituted for a claimant who passed away prior to completion of his or her claim for benefits.

DATES:

Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before August 11, 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-New (21-0847)” 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.

Title: Authorization to Substitute a Claim of a Deceased Claimant, VA Form 21-0847.

OMB Control Number: 2900-New (21-0847).

Type of Review: New collection.

Abstract: VA Form 21-0847 will be used to allow beneficiaries to request authorization to be substituted for a claimant, who passed away, while a claim or appeal for benefits is pending. The substituted beneficiary must file a claim no later than one year after the claimant's date of the death to be eligible to receive accrued benefits due to the deceased claimant.

Affected Public: Individuals or households.

Estimated Annual Burden: 1,667.

Estimated Average Burden per Respondent: 5 minutes.

Frequency of Response: One time.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 20,000.

Dated: June 8, 2009.

By direction of the Secretary.

Denise McLamb,

Program Analyst, Enterprise Records Service.