[Federal Register: May 5, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 87)]
[Notices]               
[Page 25171]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr05my04-129]                         

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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

[OMB Control No. 2900-0600]

 
Agency Information Collection Activities Under OMB Review

AGENCY: Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995 
(44 U.S.C. 3501-21), this notice announces that the Veterans Health 
Administration (VHA), Department of Veterans Affairs, has submitted the 
collection of information abstracted below to the Office of Management 
and Budget (OMB) for review and comment. The PRA submission describes 
the nature of the information collection and its expected cost and 
burden and includes the actual data collection instrument.

DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before June 4, 2004.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR A COPY OF THE SUBMISSION CONTACT: Denise 
McLamb, Records Management Service (005E3), Department of Veterans 
Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20420, (202) 273-8030, 
FAX (202) 273-5981 or e-mail to: denise.mclamb@mail.va.gov. Please 
refer to ``OMB Control No. 2900-0600.''
    Send comments and recommendations concerning any aspect of the 
information collection to VA's OMB Desk Officer, OMB Human Resources 
and Housing Branch, New Executive Office Building, Room 10235, 
Washington, DC 20503, (202) 395-7316. Please refer to ``OMB Control No. 
2900-0600'' in any correspondence.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 
    Title: Regulation for Reconsideration of Denied Claims.
    OMB Control Number: 2900-0600.
    Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.
    Abstract: The purpose of this data collection is to provide a 
vehicle to request an informal review with veterans whose healthcare 
benefit claims were denied. Veterans who disagree with the initial 
decision denying their claim in whole or in part may obtain 
reconsideration by submitting a request in writing within one year of 
the date of the initial decision. The request must state why the 
decision is in error and include any new and relevant information not 
previously considered. This process reduces both formal appeals and 
allows decision making to be more responsive to veterans using the VA 
healthcare system.
    An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required 
to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a 
currently valid OMB control number. The Federal Register Notice with a 
60-day comment period soliciting comments on this collection of 
information was published on February 9, 2004, at page 6017.
    Affected Public: Individuals or households.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden: 50,826 hours.
    Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent: 30 minutes.
    Frequency of Response: On occasion.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 101,652.

    Dated: April 22, 2004.
    By direction of the Secretary.
Loise Russell,
Director, Records Management Service.
[FR Doc. 04-10132 Filed 5-4-04; 8:45 am]

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