[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 230 (Wednesday, December 1, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Pages 69990-69991]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-26461]


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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 obtain 
evidence to substantiate claims for service connection post-traumatic 
stress disorder (PTSD).

DATES: Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection 
of information should be received on or before January 31, 2005.

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 9202) 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.
    Titles:
    a. Statement in Support of Claim for Service Connection for Post-
Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), VA Form 21-0781.
    b. Statement in Support of Claim for Service Connection for Post-
Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Secondary to Personal Assault, VA Form 
21-0781a.
    OMB Control Number: 2900-New.
    Type of Review: New Collection.
    Abstract: VA Forms 21-0781 and 21-0781a are used to assist 
claimants in obtaining evidence to substantiate their claims of in-
service stressors. When a veteran who did not serve in combat or was 
not a prisoner of war claims post-traumatic stress disorder due to in-
service stressors, there must be credible supporting evidence that the 
claimed stressors occurred. The claimant must provide a medical 
diagnosis; a link established by medical evidence, between current 
symptoms and an in-service stressor; and credible supporting evidence 
that the claimed in-service strssor occurred.
    Affected Public: Individuals or households.
    Estimated Annual Burden: 17,780 hours.
    Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent: 70 minutes.
    Frequency of Response: One-time.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 15,240.

    Dated: November 22, 2004.


[[Page 69991]]


    By direction of the Secretary.
Loise Russell,
Director, Records Management Service.
[FR Doc. 04-26461 Filed 11-30-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8320-01-M