[Federal Register: December 2, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 231)]
[Notices]               
[Page 67625-67626]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr02de99-95]                         

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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

[OMB Control No. 2900-0018]

 
Proposed Information Collection Activity: Proposed Collection; 
Comment Request

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

[[Page 67626]]

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 reinstatement, with change, of a previously approved 
collection for which approval has expired, and allow 60 days for public 
comment in response to the notice. This notice solicits comments on the 
information needed to apply for accreditation to represent claimants 
for benefits before VA and to confer power of attorney on an attorney, 
agent or individual service organization representative for claim 
representation purposes.

DATES: Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection 
of information should be received on or before January 31, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Submit written comments on the collection of information to 
Sheldon Bolasny (022D1), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont 
Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420. Please refer to ``OMB Control No. 
2900-0018'' in any correspondence.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sheldon Bolasny at (202) 273-6321 or 
FAX (202) 273-6404.

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, 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.
    Titles and Form Numbers
    a. Application for Accreditation as Service Organization 
Representative, VA Form 21.
    b. Appointment of Individual as Claimant's Representative, VA Form 
22a.
    OMB Control Number: 2900-0018.
    Type of Review: Reinstatement, with change, of a previously 
approved collection for which approval has expired.
    Abstract: VA Form 21 is used to obtain basic information necessary 
to determine whether an individual may be accredited as a service 
organization representative for the purposes of representation of 
claimants before the VA. The information is used to evaluate 
qualifications, ensure against conflicts of interest, and allow 
appropriate organization officials to certify the character and 
qualifications applicants. It is designed to ensure that regulatory 
standards for accreditation have been met so that claimants for VA 
benefits have available a pool of qualified claims representatives to 
assist them in the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of their 
claims.
    VA Form 22a is used by a claimant for VA benefits to confer power 
of attorney upon an attorney, agent, or individual service organization 
representative in order that the attorney, agent, or individual 
representative may represent the claimant in proceedings before VA. 
Generally, this power of attorney permits VA to release to the 
attorney, agent, or individual representative records pertinent to the 
benefit claim. The form contains a release to be completed by the 
claimant which permits the claimant to authorize or prohibit VA from 
disclosing medical records specifically protected by 38 U.S.C. 7332.
    Affected Public: Individuals and households, Business or other for-
profit, Not-for-profit institutions, and State, Local or Tribal 
Government.
    Estimated Annual Burden
    a. VA Form 21--275 hours.
    b. VA Form 22a--2,500 hours.
    Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent
    a. VA Form 21--15 minutes.
    b. VA Form 22a--15 minutes.
    Frequency of Response: On occasion.
    Estimated Number of Respondents:
    a. VA Form 21--1,100.
    b. VA Form 22a--10,000.

    Dated: November 2, 1999.

    By direction of the Secretary.
Barbara H. Epps,
Management Analyst, Information Management Service.
[FR Doc. 99-31264 Filed 12-1-99; 8:45 am]
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