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 requirements of eligibility verification reports.

DATES:

Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before January 22, 2002.

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: irmnkess@vba.va.gov. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0101” 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.

Titles: Eligibility Verification Reports (EVR) (One EVR provides report instructions. Eleven EVRs are computer-generated forms that may be dispatched from VA's central computer. The remaining 11 forms (those with a “-1” suffix on the form number) are stocked forms).

a. Eligibility Verification Report Instructions, VA Form 21-0510.

b. Old Law Eligibility Verification Report (Surviving Spouse), VA Forms 21-0511S and 21-0511S-1.

c. Old Law Eligibility Verification Report (Veteran), VA Forms 21-0511V and 21-0511V-1.

d. Section 306 Eligibility Verification Report (Surviving Spouse), VA Forms 21-0512S and 21-0512S-1.

e. Section 306 Eligibility Verification Report (Veteran), VA Forms 21-0512V and 21-0512V-1.

f. Old Law and Section 306 Eligibility Verification Report (Children Only), VA Forms 21-0513 and 21-0513-1.

g. DIC Parent's Eligibility Verification Report, VA Forms 21-0514 and 21-0514-1.

h. Improved Pension Eligibility Verification Report (Veteran With No Children), VA Forms 21-0516 and 21-0516-1.

i. Improved Pension Eligibility Verification Report (Veteran With Children), VA Forms 21-0517 and 21-0517-1.

j. Improved Pension Eligibility Verification Report (Surviving Spouse With No Children), VA Forms 21-0518 and 21-0518-1.

k. Improved Pension Eligibility Verification Report (Child or Children), VA Forms 21-0519C and 21-0519C-1.

l. Improved Pension Eligibility Verification Report (Surviving Spouse With Children), VA Forms 21-0519S and 21-0519S-1.

OMB Control Number: 2900-0101.

Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Abstract: The Eligibility Verification Reports are used to report changes in entitlement factors in VA's income-based benefit programs, pension and parents' Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC). Any individual who has applied for or receives pension or parents' DIC must promptly notify VA in writing of any changes in entitlement factors.

The reports are also used to confirm that there have been no changes in entitlement factors.

Affected Public: Individuals or households.

Estimated Annual Burden: 146,947 hours.

Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent: 30 minutes.

Frequency of Response: On occasion.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 293,894.