[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 237 (Wednesday, December 10, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Pages 68971-68972]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-30573]


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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

[OMB Control No. 2900-0572]


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 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 information 
needed to determine the monetary allowance for a child of a Vietnam 
veteran born with spina bifida or birth defects.

DATES: Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection 
of information should be received on or before February 9, 2004.

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. 2900-0572'' 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: Application for Spina Bifida Benefits, VA Form 21-0304.
    OMB Control Number: 2900-0572.
    Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.
    Abstract: 38 U.S.C 1815, Children of Women Vietnam Veterans Born 
with Certain Birth Defects, authorizes payment of monetary benefits to, 
or on behalf of, certain children of female veterans who served in 
Republic of Vietnam. To be eligible, the child must be the biological 
child; conceived after the date the veteran first served in Vietnam 
during the period February 28, 1961 to May 7, 1975; and have certain

[[Page 68972]]

birth defects resulting in permanent physical or mental disability.
    38 U.S.C. 1805, Spina Bifida Benefits Eligibility, authorizes 
payment to a spina bifida child-claimant to parent(s) who performed 
active military, naval, or air service during the Vietnam era during 
the period January 9, 1962 to May 7, 1975. The child must be the 
natural child of a Vietnam veteran, regardless of age or marital 
status, who was conceived after the date on which the veteran first 
entered the Republic of Vietnam during the Vietnam era. Spina Bifida 
benefits are payable for all types of spina bifida except spina bifida 
occulta. The law does not allow payment of both benefits at the same 
time. If entitlement exists under both laws, benefits will be paid 
under 38 U.S.C. 1815.
    VA Form 21-0304 is used to gather the necessary information to 
determine eligibility for a monetary allowance and appropriate level of 
payment.
    Affected Public: Individuals or households.
    Estimated Annual Burden: 335 hours.
    Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent: 10 minutes.
    Frequency of Response: On occasion.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 2,000.

    Dated: November 28, 2003.

    By direction of the Acting Secretary.
Jacqueline Parks,
IT Specialist, Records Management Service.
[FR Doc. 03-30573 Filed 12-9-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8320-01-P