[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 246 (Thursday, December 23, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Page 76976]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-28035]


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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

[OMB Control No. 2900-0605]


Proposed Information Collection Activity: Proposed Collection; 
Comment Request

AGENCY: Office of General Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Office of General Counsel (OGC), 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 on information 
needed to determine applicants' eligibility for accreditation as claims 
agents with VA.

DATES: Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection 
of information should be received on or before February 22, 2005.

ADDRESSES: Submit written comments on the collection of information to 
James T. Dehn (022G2), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont 
Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20420 or e-mail: James T. [email protected]. 
Please refer to ``OMB Control No. 2900-0605'' in any correspondence.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: James T. Dehn at (202) 273-6349 or FAX 
(202) 273-6404.

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, OGC 
invites comments on: (1) Whether the proposed collection of information 
is necessary for the proper performance of OGC's functions, including 
whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy 
of OGC'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 Accreditation as a Claims Agent, VA Form 
21a.
    OMB Control Number: 2900-0605.
    Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.
    Abstract: VA Form 21a is completed by applicants in filing an 
application with VA General Counsel for accreditation as claims agents 
to represent benefit claimants before VA. The information requested is 
necessary to establish the statutory and regulatory eligibility 
requirements, e.g., good character and reputation which includes basic 
identifying information, information concerning past representation, 
military service, employment, criminal activity and mental health of 
the applicant. VA uses the information to determine the applicant's 
eligibility for accreditation as a claims agent.
    Affected Public: Individuals and households.
    Estimated Annual Burden: 15 hours.
    Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent: 45 minutes.
    Frequency of Response: On occasion.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 20.

    Dated: December 10, 2004.

    By direction of the Secretary.
Jacqueline Parks,
IT Specialist, Information Management Service.
[FR Doc. 04-28035 Filed 12-22-04; 8:45 am]
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