2013-03260. Proposed Information Collection (Veterans Application for Assistance in Acquiring Special Housing Adaptations) 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 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 assistance disabled Veterans in acquiring special housing and/or adaptations to their current resident.

DATES:

Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before April 15, 2013.

ADDRESSES:

Submit written comments on the collection of information through the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) at 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. 2900-0300” 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: Veterans Application for Assistance in Acquiring Special Housing Adaptations, VA Form 26-4555d.

OMB Control Number: 2900-0300.

Type of Review: Revision of a currently approved collection.

Abstract: Title 38, U.S.C. 2101 authorizes assistance to disabled Veterans in acquiring special housing and adaptations to dwellings. Under 38 U.S.C. 2101(b), grants are available to assist Veterans in making adaptations to their current residences or one which they intend to live in as long as the home is owned by the Veteran or a member of the Veteran's family. VA Form 26-4555d enables field personnel to evaluate the request for adaptations. This form is needed because of the difference in disabilities, the amount of alteration, adaptation to the house and title requirements.

Affected Public: Individuals or households.

Estimated Annual Burden: 33 hours.

Estimated Average Burden per Respondent: 20 minutes.

Frequency of Response: One time.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 100.

Dated: February 7, 2013.

By direction of the Secretary.

William F. Russo,

Deputy Director, Office of Regulations Policy and Management, Office of General Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs.