[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 27 (Friday, February 8, 2019)]
[Notices]
[Page 2949]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-01692]


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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

[OMB Control No. 2900-0495]


Agency Information Collection Activity: Marital Status 
Questionnaire

AGENCY: Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans 
Affairs.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: Veteran's 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. DATES: Written comments and 
recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be 
received on or before April 9, 2019.

ADDRESSES: Submit written comments on the collection of information 
through Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) at www.Regulations.gov 
or to Nancy Kessinger, Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of 
Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 or email 
to [email protected]. Please refer to ``OMB Control No. 2900-
0495'' in any correspondence. During the comment period, comments may 
be viewed online through FDMS.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Danny S. Green, (202) 421-1354.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the PRA of 1995, 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.
    Authority: 38 U.S.C. 101(3), 103.
    Title: Marital Status Questionnaire, VA Form 21P-0537.
    OMB Control Number: 2900-0495.
    Type of Review: Extension without change of a currently approved 
collection.
    Abstract: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), through its 
Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), administers an integrated 
program of benefits and services established by law for Veterans, 
service personnel, and their dependents and/or beneficiaries. VA Form 
21P-0537 Marital Status Questionnaire is used to confirm the marital 
status of a surviving spouse in receipt of Dependency and Indemnity 
Compensation (DIC) benefits. If a surviving spouse remarries, he or she 
is no longer entitled to DIC unless the marriage began after age 57 or 
has been terminated. Information is requested by this form under the 
authority of 38 U.S.C. 101(3) and 38 U.S.C. 103.
    VA Form 21P-0537 is used by VBA to verify a surviving spouse's 
current marital status to determine his or her continuing entitlement 
to DIC benefits. The form letter is automatically generated and mailed 
to DIC beneficiaries. Agency action depends on the information provided 
by the beneficiary. If the information provided supports the 
beneficiary's continued entitlement to benefits, no action is taken. If 
the information provided by the beneficiary does not support continued 
entitlement to benefits, VA will act to terminate benefit payments, 
based on the facts found.
    Affected Public: Individuals and households.
    Estimated Annual Burden: 1,484 hours.
    Estimated Average Burden per Respondent: 5 minutes.
    Frequency of Response: Once.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 17,808.

    By direction of the Secretary.
Danny S. Green,
Acting Interim Clearance Officer, Office of Quality, Performance and 
Risk (QPR), Department of Veterans Affairs.
[FR Doc. 2019-01692 Filed 2-7-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 8320-01-P