[Federal Register: December 10, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 237)]
[Notices]
[Page 68971-68972]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr10de03-139]
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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
[OMB Control No. 2900-0572]
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 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. This notice solicits comments on information
needed to determine the monetary allowance for a child of a Vietnam
veteran born with spina bifida or birth defects.
DATES: Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection
of information should be received on or before February 9, 2004.
ADDRESSES: Submit written comments on the collection of information to
Nancy J. Kessinger, Veterans Benefits Administration (20S52),
Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW., Washington, DC
20420. Please refer to ``OMB Control No. 2900-0572'' 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 (Public Law 104-13; 44
U.S.C., 3501-3520), 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 Spina Bifida Benefits, VA Form 21-0304.
OMB Control Number: 2900-0572.
Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.
Abstract: 38 U.S.C 1815, Children of Women Vietnam Veterans Born
with Certain Birth Defects, authorizes payment of monetary benefits to,
or on behalf of, certain children of female veterans who served in
Republic of Vietnam. To be eligible, the child must be the biological
child; conceived after the date the veteran first served in Vietnam
during the period February 28, 1961 to May 7, 1975; and have certain
[[Page 68972]]
birth defects resulting in permanent physical or mental disability.
38 U.S.C. 1805, Spina Bifida Benefits Eligibility, authorizes
payment to a spina bifida child-claimant to parent(s) who performed
active military, naval, or air service during the Vietnam era during
the period January 9, 1962 to May 7, 1975. The child must be the
natural child of a Vietnam veteran, regardless of age or marital
status, who was conceived after the date on which the veteran first
entered the Republic of Vietnam during the Vietnam era. Spina Bifida
benefits are payable for all types of spina bifida except spina bifida
occulta. The law does not allow payment of both benefits at the same
time. If entitlement exists under both laws, benefits will be paid
under 38 U.S.C. 1815.
VA Form 21-0304 is used to gather the necessary information to
determine eligibility for a monetary allowance and appropriate level of
payment.
Affected Public: Individuals or households.
Estimated Annual Burden: 335 hours.
Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent: 10 minutes.
Frequency of Response: On occasion.
Estimated Number of Respondents: 2,000.
Dated: November 28, 2003.
By direction of the Acting Secretary.
Jacqueline Parks,
IT Specialist, Records Management Service.
[FR Doc. 03-30573 Filed 12-9-03; 8:45 am]
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