[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 155 (Monday, August 14, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Page 55124]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-17400]


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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

[OMB Control No. 2900-0850]


Agency Information Collection Activity: Requirements for 
Recognition as a VA Accredited Organization

AGENCY: Office of General Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Office of General Counsel (OGC), 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 October 13, 2023.

ADDRESSES: Submit written comments on the collection of information 
through Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) at www.Regulations.gov 
or to Jonathan Taylor, Office of the General Counsel (022D), Department 
of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 or 
email to [email protected]. Please refer to ``OMB Control No. 
2900-0850'' in any correspondence. During the comment period, comments 
may be viewed online through FDMS.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Maribel Aponte, Office of Enterprise 
and Integration, Data Governance Analytics (008), 810 Vermont Ave. NW, 
Washington, DC 20006, (202) 266-4688 or email [email protected]. 
Please refer to ``OMB Control No. 2900-0850'' in any correspondence.

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, OGC 
invites comments on: (1) whether the proposed collection of information 
is necessary for the proper performance of OGC's functions, including 
whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy 
of OGC'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. 5902; 38 CFR 14.628.
    Title: Requirements for Recognition as a VA Accredited 
Organization.
    OMB Control Number: 2900-0850.
    Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.
    Abstract: In order for an organization to provide representation to 
claimants before VA regarding claims for VA benefits, the organization 
must be recognized by VA for that purpose. Section 5902(a) of title 38, 
United States Code, authorizes VA to recognize organizations for the 
limited purpose of ensuring competent representation of veterans in 
claims for benefits administered by VA. VA implemented this authority 
in 38 CFR 14.628. An organization must apply for VA recognition, 
supplying information as specified in section 14.628 to demonstrate 
that it satisfies the legal requirements for recognition. 
(Organizations may provide services to veterans without VA recognition 
if the services do not include the preparation, presentation, and 
prosecution of claims for VA benefits.) The information submitted by 
the organizations in conjunction with a request for recognition is used 
by VA in reviewing accreditation applications to determine whether 
organizations meet the requirements for VA recognition under section 
14.628. VA relies on this information to ensure that it is granting 
recognition only to organizations that can provide long-term, competent 
representation to VA claimants.
    Affected Public: Individuals, not-for-profit institutions, and 
State, local, or Tribal governments.
    Estimated Annual Burden: 50 hours.
    Estimated Average Burden per Respondent: 5 hours.
    Frequency of Response: One time.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 10.

    By direction of the Secretary.
Maribel Aponte,
VA PRA Clearance Officer, Office of Enterprise and Integration/Data 
Governance Analytics, Department of Veterans Affairs.
[FR Doc. 2023-17400 Filed 8-11-23; 8:45 am]
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