01-21505. Proposed Information Collection Activity: Proposed Collection; 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 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 if a decision of presumptive death can be made for benefit payment purposes.

DATES:

Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before October 23, 2001.

ADDRESSES:

Submit written comments on the collection of information to Nancy J. Kessinger, Veterans Benefits Administration (20S52), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420 or e-mail [e-mail]. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0036” in any correspondence.

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—3520), 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: Statement of Disappearance, VA Form 21-1775.

OMB Control Number: 2900-0036.

Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Abstract: Title 38, U.S.C., Section 108, requires a formal presumption of death when a veteran has been missing for seven years. VA Form 21-1775 is used to gather the necessary information for proper decisions regarding the unexplained absence of an individual. Without this information, it would not be possible for VA to authorize death benefits.

Affected Public: Individuals or households.

Estimated Annual Burden: 2,000 hours.

Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent: 2 hours 45 minutes.

Frequency of Response: On occasion.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 5,500.

Dated: August 15, 2001.

By direction of the Secretary.

Donald L. Neilson,

Director, Information Management Service.