[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 123 (Monday, June 28, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Page 36162]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-14577]


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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

[OMB Control No. 2900-NEW]


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 new 
collection and allow 60 days for public comment in response to the 
notice. This notice solicits comments on information needed to identify 
and properly protect certain VA benefit records.

DATES: Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection 
of information should be received on or before August 27, 2004.

ADDRESSES: Submit written comments on the collection of information to 
Nancy J. Kessinger, Veterans Benefits Administration (20M35), 
Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 
20420 or e-mail [email protected]. Please refer to ``OMB Control No. 
2900-NEW'' 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--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, 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: Annual Certification of Veteran Status and Veteran-
Relatives, VA Form 20-0344.
    OMB Control Number: 2900-NEW.
    Type of Review: New collection.
    Abstract: VBA employees, non-VBA employees in VBA space and Veteran 
Service Organization employees who have access to VA's benefit records 
complete VA Form 20-0344. These individuals are required to provide 
personal identifying information for themselves and any veteran 
relatives, in order for VA to identify and protect those benefit 
records. VA uses the information to determine which benefit records 
require special handling to guard against fraud, conflict of interest, 
improper influence etc. by VA and non-VA employees.
    Affected Public: Individuals or households.
    Estimated Annual Burden: 5,834 hours.
    Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent: 25 minutes.
    Frequency of Response: Annually.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 14,000.

    Dated: June 21, 2004.

    By direction of the Secretary.
Loise Russell,
Director, Records Management Service.
[FR Doc. 04-14577 Filed 6-25-04; 8:45 am]
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