[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 193 (Thursday, October 4, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 60745-60746]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-24443]


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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

[OMB Control No. 2900-0572]


Proposed Information Collection (Application for Benefits for 
Certain Children With Disabilities Born of Vietnam and Certain Korea 
Service Veterans) 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 determine eligibility for the monetary allowance for natural 
children with certain birth defects of female veterans who served in 
the Republic of Vietnam during the Vietnam era.

DATES: Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection 
of information should be received on or before December 3, 2012.

ADDRESSES: Submit written comments on the collection of information 
through the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) at 
www.Regulations.gov; or to Nancy J. Kessinger, Veterans Benefits 
Administration (20M35), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont 
Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420 or email: [email protected]. 
Please refer to ``OMB Control No. 2900-0572'' in any correspondence. 
During the comment period, comments may be viewed online through FDMS.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nancy J. Kessinger at (202) 632-8924 
or FAX (202) 632-8925.

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: Application for Benefits for Certain Children with 
Disabilities Born of Vietnam and Certain Korea Service Veterans, VA 
Form 21-0304.
    OMB Control Number: 2900-0572.
    Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.
    Abstract: VA Form 21-0304 is used to gather the necessary 
information to determine a claimant's eligibility for a monetary 
allowance and appropriate level of payment. Under Title 38 U.S.C. 1815, 
Children of Women Vietnam Veterans Born with Certain Birth Defects, 
authorizes payment of monetary benefits to, or on behalf of,

[[Page 60746]]

certain children of female veterans who served in Republic of Vietnam. 
To be eligible, the child must be the biological child; conceived after 
the date the veteran first served in Vietnam during the period February 
28, 1961 to May 7, 1975; and have certain birth defects resulting in 
permanent physical or mental disability.
    Under title 38 U.S.C. 1805, Spina Bifida Benefits Eligibility, 
authorizes payment to a spina bifida child-claimant of parent(s) who 
performed active military, naval, or air service during the Vietnam era 
during the period January 9, 1962 to May 7, 1975 or after the date the 
veteran first served in or near the demilitarized zone in Korea during 
the period September 1, 1967 to August 31, 1971. The child must be the 
natural child of a Vietnam veteran, regardless of age or marital 
status, who was conceived after the date on which the veteran first 
entered the Republic of Vietnam during the Vietnam era. Spina Bifida 
benefits are payable for all types of spina bifida except spina bifida 
occulta. The law does not allow payment of both benefits at the same 
time. If entitlement exists under both laws, benefits will be paid 
under 38 U.S.C. 1815.
    Affected Public: Individuals or households.
    Estimated Annual Burden: 72 hours.
    Estimated Average Burden per Respondent: 10 minutes.
    Frequency of Response: One time.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 430.

    Dated: September 28, 2012.

    By direction of the Secretary.

Denise McLamb,
Program Analyst, Enterprise Records Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-24443 Filed 10-3-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8320-01-P