[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 178 (Thursday, September 13, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 56710-56711]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-22490]


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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

[OMB Control No. 2900-0001]


Proposed Information Collection (Veteran's Application for 
Compensation and/or Pension) Activity: Comment Request

AGENCY: Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans 
Affairs.

ACTION: Notice.

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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

[[Page 56711]]

1995, Federal agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal 
Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including 
each 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 a veteran's eligibility, dependency, 
and income, as applicable, for compensation and/or pension benefit 
sought.

DATES: Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection 
of information should be received on or before November 13, 2012.

ADDRESSES: Submit written comments on the collection of information 
through 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: 
[email protected]. Please refer to ``OMB Control No. 2900-0001'' 
in any correspondence. During the comment period, comments may be 
viewed online through the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) at 
www.Regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nancy J. Kessinger at (202) 632-8924 
or fax (202) 632-8925.

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.
    Titles:
    a. Veteran's Application for Compensation and/or Pension, VA Form 
21-526.
    b. Veteran's Supplemental Claim Application, VA Form 21-526b.
    c. Authorization and Consent Release Information to the Department 
of Veterans Affairs (VA), VA Form 21-4142.
    OMB Control Number: 2900-0001.
    Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.
    Abstracts:
    a. Veterans complete VA Form 21-526 to initially apply for 
compensation and/or pension benefits.
    b. Veterans who previously filed a claim using VA Form 21-526, and 
who wish to request an increase in a service-connected condition, 
reopen their claim for a previously denied claim, and/or file a claim 
for a new service-connected condition must complete VA Form 21-526b. VA 
Form 21-526b will be used for supplemental disability or ancillary 
benefit claims.
    c. Veterans who need VA's assistance in obtaining non-VA medical 
records must complete VA Form 21-4142.
    Affected Public: Individuals or households.
    Estimated Annual Burden:
    a. VA Form 21-526--391,708.
    b. VA Form 21-526b--50,000.
    c. VA Form 21-4142--823.
    Estimated Average Burden per Respondent:
    a. VA Form 21-526--1 hour.
    b. VA Form 21-526b--15 minutes.
    c. VA Form 21-4142--5 minutes.
    Frequency of Response: On occasion.
    Estimated Number of Respondents:
    a. VA Form 21-526--391,708.
    b. VA Form 21-526b--200,000.
    c. VA Form 21-4142--3,292.

    Dated: September 7, 2012.

    By direction of the Secretary.
Denise McLamb,
Program Analyst, Enterprise Records Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-22490 Filed 9-12-12; 8:45 am]
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