[Federal Register: December 28, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 248)] [Notices] [Page 76914-76915] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr28de05-185] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS [OMB Control No. 2900-0321] Proposed Information Collection Activity: Proposed Collection; Comment Request AGENCY: Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs. ACTION: Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 [[Page 76915]] 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 for information needed to determine whether claimant appointed a veterans service organization or an individual to prosecute their VA claims. DATES: Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before February 27, 2006. 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. 2900-0321'' 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: Appointment of Veterans Service Organization as Claimant's Representative, VA Form 21-22 and Appointment of Individual as Claimant's Representative, VA Form 21-22a. OMB Control Number: 2900-0321. Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection. Abstract: Beneficiaries complete VA Forms 21-22 and 21-22a to appoint a veterans service organization or an individual to prepare, present, and prosecute their claim for VA benefits. Beneficiaries also use the forms to authorize VA to release their records and forward correspondence on their behalf to the representative appointed. Affected Public: Individuals or households. Estimated Annual Burden: 28,683 hours. Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent: 5 minutes. Frequency of Response: One-time. Estimated Number of Respondents: 331,400. Dated: December 14, 2005. By direction of the Secretary. Denise McLamb, Program Analyst, Records Management Service. [FR Doc. E5-7878 Filed 12-27-05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8320-01-P