[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 170 (Thursday, August 31, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Page 53091]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-22277]


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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

[OMB Control No. 2900-0406]


Proposed Information Collection Activity: Proposed Collection; 
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 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 for which approval has expired, and 
allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. This notice 
solicits comments on information needed by lenders to determine whether 
any benefits related debts exist in the veteran-borrower's name prior 
to the closing of any VA-guaranteed loans on a automatic basis.

DATES: Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection 
of information should be received on or before October 30, 2000.

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. 2900-0406'' 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: Verification of VA Benefit-Related Indebtedness, VA Form 26-
8937.
    OMB Control Number: 2900-0406.
    Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.
    Abstract: Lenders authorized to make VA-guaranteed home or 
manufactured loans on the automatic basis have been required to 
determine through VA whether any benefits related debts exist in the 
veteran-borrower's name prior to the closing of any automatic loan. 
Lenders may not close any proposed automatic loan until they have 
evidence from VA that there is no debt, or if a debt exists, or the 
veteran has agreed on an acceptable repayment plan, or payments under a 
plan already in effect are current. The form also provides information 
advising the lender whether or not the veteran is exempt from paying 
the funding fee, which must be collected on all VA home loans unless 
the veteran is receiving service-connected disability compensation. 
This benefits the lender by streamlining the procedure to verify the 
veteran's receipt of compensation. VA Form 26-8937 is designed to 
assist lenders and VA in the completion of debt checks in a uniform 
manner.
    Affected Public: Individuals or households.
    Estimated Annual Burden: 6,250 hours.
    Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent: 5 minutes.
    Frequency of Response: On occasion.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 75,000.

    Dated: July 19, 2000.

By direction of the Secretary.
Donald L. Neilson,
Director, Information Management Service.
[FR Doc. 00-22277 Filed 8-30-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8320-01-P