2012-16109. Proposed Information Collection (Statement of Accredited Representative in Appealed Case, VA Form 646) Activity: Comment Request

AGENCY:

The Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA), Department of Veterans Affairs.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA), 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. This notice solicits comments for information needed to summarize a claimant's disagreement of denied VA benefits before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

DATES:

Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before August 31, 2012.

ADDRESSES:

Submit written comments on the collection of information through Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) at www.Regulations.gov to Sue Hamlin, Board of Veterans' Appeals (01C), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420 or email [e-mail]. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0042” in any correspondence. During the comment period, comments may be viewed online through FDMS.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Sue Hamlin 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, BVA invites comments on: (1) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of BVA's functions, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of BVA'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: Statement of Accredited Representative in Appealed Case, VA Form 646.

OMB Control Number: 2900-0042.

Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Abstract: A recognized organization, attorney, agent, or other authorized person representing VA claimants before the Board of Veterans' Appeals complete VA Form 646 to provide identifying data describing the basis for their claimant's disagreement with the denial of VA benefits. VA uses the data collected to identify the issues in dispute and to prepare a decision responsive to the claimant's disagreement.

Affected Public: Not for profit institution.

Estimated Annual Burden: 44,551.

Estimated Average Burden per Respondent: 60 minutes.

Frequency of Response: On occasion.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 44,551.

Dated: June 27, 2012.

By direction of the Secretary.

Denise McLamb,

Program Analyst, Enterprise Records Service.