[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 26 (Monday, February 9, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Page 6017]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-2685]


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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

[OMB Control No. 2900-0600]


Proposed Information Collection Activity: Proposed Collection; 
Comment Request

AGENCY: Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) 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, and allow 60 days for 
public comment in response to the notice. This notice solicits comments 
on the information needed to request an informal review of veterans' 
denied healthcare benefits claims.

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

ADDRESSES: Submit written comments on the collection of information to 
Ann Bickoff, Veterans Health Administration (193B1), Department of 
Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20420 or e-
mail [email protected]. Please refer to ``OMB Control No. 2900-
0600'' in any correspondence.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ann Bickoff at (202) 273-8310.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the PRA of 1995 (Public Law 104-13; 44 
U.S.C. 3501-3521), 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, VHA 
invites comments on: (1) Whether the proposed collection of information 
is necessary for the proper performance of VHA's functions, including 
whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy 
of VHA'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: Regulation for Reconsideration of Denied Claims.
    OMB Control Number: 2900-0600.
    Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.
    Abstract: The purpose of this data collection is to provide a 
vehicle to request an informal review of veterans whose healthcare 
benefit claims were denied. Veterans who disagree with the initial 
decision denying their claim in whole or in part may obtain 
reconsideration by submitting a request in writing within one year of 
the date of the initial decision. The request must state why the 
decision is in error and include any new and relevant information not 
previously considered. This process reduces both formal appeals and 
allows decision making to be more responsive to veterans using the VA 
healthcare system.
    Affected Public: Individuals or households.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden: 50,826 hours.
    Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent: 30 minutes.
    Frequency of Response: On occasion.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 101,652.

    Dated: January 26, 2004.

    By direction of the Secretary:
Jacqueline Parks,
IT Specialist, Records Management Service.
[FR Doc. 04-2685 Filed 2-6-04; 8:45 am]
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