[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 30 (Tuesday, February 15, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 7795-7796]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-2915]


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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

[OMB Control No. 2900-0004]


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 extension 
of a currently approved collection, and allow 60 days for public 
comment in response to the notice. This

[[Page 7796]]

notice solicits comments for information needed to determine 
entitlement to dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC), death 
pension and accrued benefits.

DATES: Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection 
of information should be received on or before April 18, 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. 
2900-0004'' 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., 3501-3520), 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.
    Titles:
    a. Application for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, Death 
Pension and Accrued Benefits by a Surviving Spouse or Child (Including 
Death Compensation if Applicable), VA Form 21-534.
    b. Application for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation by a 
Surviving Spouse or Child--In-service Death Only, VA Form 21-543a.
    OMB Control Number: 2900-0004.
    Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.
    Abstract:
    a. VA Form 21-534 is used to gather the necessary information to 
determine surviving spouse and/or children of veterans entitlement to 
dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC), death benefits, (including 
death compensation is applicable), and any accrued benefits not paid to 
the veteran prior to death.
    b. Military Casualty Assistance Officers complete VA Form 21-534 to 
assist surviving spouse and/or children of veterans who died on active 
duty in processing claims for dependency and indemnity compensation 
benefits. Accrued benefits and death compensation are not payable in 
claims for DIC.
    Affected Public: Individuals or households.
    Estimated Annual Burden:
    a. VA Form 21-534-76,136.
    b. VA Form 21-534a-600.
    Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent:
    a. VA Form 21-534-75 minutes.
    b. VA Form 21-534a-15 minutes.
    Frequency of Response: One time.
    Estimated Number of Respondents:
    a. VA Form 21-534-76,136.
    b. VA Form 21-534a-600.

    Dated: February 3, 2005.

    By direction of the Secretary.
Loise Russell,
Director, Records Management Service.
[FR Doc. 05-2915 Filed 2-14-05; 8:45 am]
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