[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 87 (Tuesday, May 6, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Page 24048]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-11205]


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

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

[OMB Control No. 2900-0042]


Proposed Information Collection Activity: Proposed Collection; 
Comment Request

AGENCY: Board of Veterans' Appeals, Department of Veterans Affairs.

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: The Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA), 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 for information 
needed for veteran's service organization to present argument before 
the Board on behalf of appellants who the service organizations 
represent.

DATES: Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection 
of information should be received on or before July 7, 2003.

ADDRESSES: Submit written comments on the collection of information to 
Sue Hamlin, Board of Veterans' Appeals (01), Department of Veterans 
Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20420 or e-mail 
[email protected]. Please refer to ``OMB Control No. 2900-0042'' 
in any correspondence.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sue Hamlin at (202) 565-5686 or FAX 
(202) 565-4064.

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, BVA 
invites comments on: (1) Whether the proposed collection of information 
is necessary for the proper performance of BVA's functions, including 
whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy 
of BVA'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: Statement of Accredited Representative in Appealed Case, VA 
Form 646.
    OMB Control Number: 2900-0042.
    Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.
    Abstract: VA Form 646 is used by accredited veterans' service 
organization representatives to present their argument to the Board on 
behalf of appellants of whom the service organizations represent. It 
facilitates appellants' exercise of their representation rights. The 
legal and factual arguments presented on the form are considered and 
addressed by the Board in making decisions on appeals. The form is also 
designed to solicit enough identifying data to enable VA to identify 
the particular case to which the statement pertains so that it may be 
properly considered and filed when received by VA. It aids the Board in 
assuring that rights to representation have been honored by 
establishing that the record has been made available to the 
representative for review and presentation of argument.
    Affected Public: Not-for-profit institutions.
    Estimated Annual Burden: 28,440 hours.
    Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent: 60 minutes.
    Frequency of Response: On occasion.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 28,440.

    Dated: April 24, 2003.

    By direction of the Secretary.
Jacqueline Parks,
IT Specialist, Records Management Service.
[FR Doc. 03-11205 Filed 5-5-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8320-01-P