[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 119 (Tuesday, June 23, 2026)]
[Notices]
[Page 37497]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2026-12555]


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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

[OMB Control No. 2900-0747]


Agency Information Collection Activity: Application for 
Disability Compensation Benefits

AGENCY: Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans 
Affairs.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: Veterans 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 revision of a 
currently approved collection, and allow 60 days for public comment in 
response to the notice.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before August 24, 2026.

ADDRESSES: Comments must be submitted through www.regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 
    Program-Specific information: Kendra Mccleave, 202-461-9760, 
[email protected].
    VA PRA information: Dorothy Glasgow, 202-461-1084, [email protected].

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.
    Title: Application for Disability Compensation Benefits (VA Form 
21-526EZ).
    OMB Control Number: 2900-0747. https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRASearch (Once at this link, you can enter the OMB Control Number to 
find the historical versions of this Information Collection).
    Type of Review: Revision of a currently approved collection.
    Abstract: VA Form 21-526EZ is used to collect the information 
needed to process a claim for disability compensation and/or related 
compensation benefits. The form has evolved over time into a standard 
claim form to be used for any benefit associated with disability 
compensation; to include new or initial claims and claims for increase. 
Without this information, determination of entitlement would not be 
possible.
    VBA is currently undertaking an initiative to streamline and 
simplify VA Form 21-526EZ, aiming to reduce the length and complexity 
of the form by the end of Calendar Year 2026. The primary objectives 
are to enhance the experience for Veterans, lessen the administrative 
burden and time required to submit a claim for benefits, and 
accommodate preferences for submitting forms either through VA.gov or 
via paper, while preserving accessibility.
    Burden has decreased due to the shortening of the length of the 
form from 15 to 5 pages, further reducing the respondent burden from 25 
minutes to 15 minutes and through a decrease in the number of 
receivables averaged over the past year.
    Affected Public: Individuals or Households.
    Estimated Annual Burden: 499,398 hours.
    Estimated Average Burden per Respondent: 15 minutes.
    Frequency of Response: One time.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 1,997,592 per year.
    Authority: 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.

Shunda Willis,
Alternate, VA PRA Clearance Officer, Office of Information Technology/
Data Governance Analytics, Department of Veterans Affairs.
[FR Doc. 2026-12555 Filed 6-22-26; 8:45 am]
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