Proposed Information Collection Activity: Proposed Collection; Comment Request, 1934 [05-489]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 7 (Tuesday, January 11, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Page 1934]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-489]



[[Page 1934]]

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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

[OMB Control No. 2900-0161]


Proposed Information Collection Activity: Proposed Collection; 
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 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. This notice solicits comments on the 
information needed to report medical expenses paid in connection with 
claims for pension and other income-based benefits.

DATES: Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection 
of information should be received on or before March 14, 2005.

ADDRESSES: Submit written comments on the collection of information to 
Nancy J. Kessinger, Veterans Benefits Administration (20M35), 
Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 
20420 or e-mail irmnkess@vba.va.gov. Please refer to ``OMB Control No. 
2900-0161'' in any correspondence.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nancy J. Kessinger at (202) 273-7079 
or FAX (202) 275-5947.

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: Medical Expense Report, VA Form 21-8416.
    OMB Control Number: 2900-0161.
    Type of Review: Revision of a currently approved collection.
    Abstract: VA Form 21-8416 is completed by beneficiaries in receipt 
of income-based benefits and claimants claiming income-based benefits 
to report medical expenses paid in connection with claims for pension 
and other income-based benefits. Unreimbursed medical expenses paid by 
a beneficiary or claimant may be excluded from their countable income. 
VA uses the data collected to determine the claimant's entitlement to 
improved pension and the appropriate rate payable.
    Affected Public: Individuals or households.
    Estimated Annual Burden: 48,200 hours.
    Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent: 30 minutes.
    Frequency of Response: On occasion.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 96,400.

    Dated: December 29, 2004.

    By direction of the Secretary.
Jacqueline Parks,
IT Specialist, Records Management Service.
[FR Doc. 05-489 Filed 1-10-05; 8:45 am]
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