[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 78 (Friday, April 23, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Page 20060]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-10151]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

[OMB Control No. 2900-0161]


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, without change, of 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 report medical expenses paid by claimants in 
connection with claims for pension and other income-based benefits.

DATES: Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection 
of information should be received on or before June 22, 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. 2900-0161'' 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 (Pub. L. 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: Medical Expense Report, VA Form 21-8416.
    OMB Control Number: 2900-0161.
    Type of Review: Reinstatement, without change, of a previously 
approved collection for which approval has expired.
    Abstract: Title 38, CFR 3.272 provides that a claimant's countable 
income for Improved Pension purposes can be reduced if the individual 
pays unreimbursed medical expenses. These expenses may be deducted from 
otherwise countable in determining the rate of VA benefits payable. VA 
Form 21-8416 is used to report unreimbursed medical expenses paid by 
claimants.
    Affected Public: Individuals or households.
    Estimated Annual Burden: 48,200 hours.
    Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent: 30 minutes.
    Frequency of Response: Generally one time.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 96,400.

    Dated: April 9, 1999.

    By direction of the Secretary.
Donald L. Neilson,
Director, Information Management Service.
[FR Doc. 99-10151 Filed 4-22-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8320-01-P