2020-10355. Agency Information Collection Activity: Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) or Privacy Act (PA) Request, Priority Processing Request, and Document/Evidence Submission

AGENCY:

Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

Veterans Benefits Administration, 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 previously 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 July 13, 2020.

ADDRESSES:

Submit written comments on the collection of information through Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) at www.Regulations.gov or to Nancy J. Kessinger, Veterans Benefits Administration (20M33), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 or email to [e-mail] Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0877” in any correspondence. During the comment period, comments may be viewed online through FDMS.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Danny S. Green, [phone] or email [e-mail]. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0877” in any correspondence.

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: Public Law 104-13; 44 U.S.C. 3501-3521.

Title: Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) or Privacy Act (PA) Request (VA Form 20-10206), Priority Processing Request (VA Form 20-10207), and Document/Evidence Request (VA Form 20-10208).

OMB Control Number: 2900-0877.

Type of Review: Extension of a previously approved collection.

Abstract: VA Form 20-10206 is be used by a claimant to request access to Federal agency records as long as the record is not exempt from release by one of nine FOIA exemptions. This form standardizes submission of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests and Privacy Act (PA) requests received from claimants in order to facilitate the identification and retrieval of requested records. VA Form 20-10207 is used by claimants to notify VA of an urgent or immediate need due to change in status or circumstance for priority processing of claim. VA Form 20-10208 is used to identify and associate additional evidence or information in support of claim.

Affected Public: Individuals or households.

Estimated Annual Burden: 50,000 hours.

Estimated Average Burden per Respondent: 6 minutes.

Frequency of Response: One time.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 500,000.

By direction of the Secretary.

Danny S. Green,

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