2020-12726. Agency Information Collection Activity: Income, Net Worth and Employment Statement (In Support of Claim for Total Disability Benefits) and Application for Veterans Pension

AGENCY:

Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

Veteran's 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.

DATES:

Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before August 11, 2020.

ADDRESSES:

Submit written comments on the collection of information through Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) at www.Regulations.gov or to Nancy Kessinger, Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 or email to [e-mail]. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0002” in any correspondence. During the comment period, comments may be viewed online through FDMS.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Danny Green, [e-mail] at [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Under the PRA of 1995, 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.

Authority: 38 U.S.C. 1502, 1503.

Title: Income, Net Worth and Employment Statement (In Support of Claim for Total Disability Benefits) (VA Form 21P-527) and Application for Veterans Pension (VA Form 21P-527EZ).

OMB Control Number: 2900-0002.

Type of Review: Revision of a currently approved collection.

Abstract: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), through its Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), administers an integrated program of benefits and services, established by law, for veterans, service personnel, and their dependents and/or beneficiaries. Title 38 U.S.C. 5101(a) provides that a specific claim in the form provided by the Secretary must be filed in order for benefits to be paid to any individual under the laws administered by the Secretary. VA Form 21P-527EZ is the prescribed form for Veterans Pension applications.

VA Form 21P-527 is used by Veterans to apply for pension benefits after they have previously applied for pension or for service-connected disability compensation using one of the prescribed forms under 38 U.S.C. 5101(a). A veteran might reapply for pension using this form if a previous compensation or pension claim was denied or discontinued, or if the veteran is receiving compensation and the veteran now believes that pension would be a greater benefit.

Affected Public: Individuals and households.

Estimated Annual Burden: 56,250 Hours.

Estimated Average Burden per Respondent: 33.75 min.

Frequency of Response: Once.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 100,000.

By direction of the Secretary:

Danny S. Green,

VA Clearance Officer, Office of Quality, Performance, and Risk, Department of Veterans Affairs.