[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 197 (Wednesday, October 14, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 52842-52843]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-24640]


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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

[OMB Control No. 2900-0736]


Proposed Information Collection (Authorization To Disclose 
Personal Beneficiary/Claimant Information to a Third Party) Activity: 
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 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 allow VA to share claims information with the family members 
or designee of severely injured service members or beneficiary who are 
unable to communicate with VA due to their injuries.

DATES: Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection 
of information should be received on or before December 14, 2009.

ADDRESSES: Submit written comments on the collection of information 
through Federal Docket Management System (FDMS), http://www.Regulations.gov; or 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. 2900-0736'' in any correspondence. 
During the comment period, comments may be viewed online through the 
FDMS.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nancy J. Kessinger at (202) 461-9769 
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: Authorization to Disclose Personal Beneficiary/Claimant 
Information to a Third Party, VA Form 21-0845.
    OMB Control Number: 2900-0736.
    Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.
    Abstract: VA Form 21-0845 is completed by severely injured service 
members or beneficiary who are unable to communicate with VA due to 
their injuries, to authorize release of certain claims information to 
an agent or person(s) whom they designate. The form will aid family 
member(s) in making well-informed decisions regarding a seriously ill 
or injured claimant or beneficiary and also allow the designee to 
receive updated information on certain decisions made regarding claims 
and payments.
    Affected Public: Individuals or households.
    Estimated Annual Burden: 1,667 hours.
    Estimated Average Burden per Respondent: 5 minutes.

[[Page 52843]]

    Frequency of Response: On occasion.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 20,000.

    Dated: October 8, 2009.

    By direction of the Secretary.
Denise McLamb,
Program Analyst, Enterprise Records Service.
[FR Doc. E9-24640 Filed 10-13-09; 8:45 am]
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