[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 116 (Monday, June 17, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Page 36308]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-14198]


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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

[OMB Control No. 2900--NEW]


Proposed Information Collection: (Back (Thoracolumbar Spine) 
Conditions Disability Benefits Questionnaire) Activity: Comment Request

AGENCY: Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans 
Affairs.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) 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 new collection, and allow 60 days for public comment in response 
to the notice. This notice solicits comments on information needed to 
adjudicate the claim for VA disability benefits related to a claimant's 
diagnosis of a back condition.

DATES: Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection 
of information should be received on or before August 16, 2013.

ADDRESSES: Submit written comments on the collection of information 
through 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--NEW (Collection (Back (Thoracolumbar Spine) Conditions 
Disability Benefits Questionnaire)'' in any correspondence. During the 
comment period, comments may be viewed online through the FDMS.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the PRA of 1995 (Public Law 104-13; 44 
U.S.C. 3501-3521), Federal agencies must obtain approval from 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.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Title: (Back (Thoracolumbar Spine) Conditions Disability Benefits 
Questionnaire, VA Form 21-0960M-14.
    OMB Control Number: 2900-NEW (Back (Thoracolumbar Spine) Conditions 
Disability Benefits Questionnaire).
    Type of Review: New data collection.
    Abstract: The VA Form 21-0960M-14, Back (Thoracolumbar Spine) 
Conditions Disability Benefits Questionnaire, will be used for 
disability compensation or pension claims which require an examination 
and/or receiving private medical evidence that may potentially be 
sufficient for rating purposes. The form will be used to gather 
necessary information from a claimant's treating physician regarding 
the results of medical examinations and related to the claimant's 
diagnosis of a Thoracolumbar spine condition. VA will gather medical 
information related to the claimant that is necessary to adjudicate the 
claim for VA disability benefits.
    Affected Public: Individuals or Households.
    Estimated Annual Burden: 37,500.
    Estimated Average Burden per Respondent: 45 minutes.
    Frequency of Response: On occasion.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 50,000.

    Dated: June 11, 2013.

    By direction of the Secretary.
Crystal Rennie,
VA Clearance Officer, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
[FR Doc. 2013-14198 Filed 6-14-13; 8:45 am]
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