Agency information collection activities: Proposed collection; comment request,

[Federal Register: December 23, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 246)]

[Notices]

[Page 71189]

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

[DOCID:fr23de98-147]

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

[OMB Control No. 2900-0027]

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 reinstatement for a previously approved collection for which approval has expired, and allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. This notice solicits comments on the information needed to determine eligibility for accrued benefits withheld during a veteran's hospitalization or domiciliary care.

DATES: Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before February 23, 1999.

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. Please refer to ``OMB Control No. 2900-0027'' in any correspondence.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nancy J. Kessinger at (202) 273-7079 or FAX (202) 275-5947.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the PRA of 1995 (Public Law 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: Application for Accrued Benefits by Veteran's Surviving Spouse, Child, or Dependent Parent, VA Form 21-551.

OMB Control Number: 2900-0027.

Type of Review: Reinstatement, without change, for a previously approved collection for which approval has expired.

Abstract: The form is used to apply for accrued benefits withheld during a veteran's hospitalization or domiciliary care. The information is used by VBA to determine a claimant's entitlement to such benefits.

Affected Public: Individuals or households.

Estimated Annual Burden: 33 hours.

Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent: 20 minutes.

Frequency of Response: One time for most beneficiaries.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 100.

Dated: November 12, 1998.

By direction of the Secretary. Barbara H. Epps, Management Analyst, Information Management Service.

[FR Doc. 98-33955Filed12-22-98; 8:45 am]

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