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###### Department of Veterans Affairs

          - [OMB Control No. 2900-0736]

# 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 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 allow VA to share claims information with the family members or designee of severely injured service members or beneficiary who are unable to communicate with VA due to their injuries.                    

# DATES:

Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before December 14, 2009.

# ADDRESSES:

                        Submit written comments on the collection of information through Federal Docket Management System (FDMS),                         *http://www.Regulations.gov*; or to Nancy J. Kessinger, Veterans Benefits Administration (20M35), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20420 or e-mail:                         *nancy.kessinger@va.gov.*                         Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0736” in any correspondence. During the comment period, comments may be viewed online through the FDMS.                    

# FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Nancy J. Kessinger at (202) 461-9769 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:*                     Authorization to Disclose Personal Beneficiary/Claimant Information to a Third Party, VA Form 21-0845.                

*OMB Control Number:*                     2900-0736.                

*Type of Review:*                     Extension of a currently approved collection.                

*Abstract:*                     VA Form 21-0845 is completed by severely injured service members or beneficiary who are unable to communicate with VA due to their injuries, to authorize release of certain claims information to an agent or person(s) whom they designate. The form will aid family member(s) in making well-informed decisions regarding a seriously ill or injured claimant or beneficiary and also allow the designee to receive updated information on certain decisions made regarding claims and payments.                

*Affected Public:*                     Individuals or households.                

*Estimated Annual Burden:*                     1,667 hours.                

*Estimated Average Burden per Respondent:*                     5 minutes.                          ( print page 52843)    

*Frequency of Response:*                     On occasion.                

*Estimated Number of Respondents:*                     20,000.                

Dated: October 8, 2009.

By direction of the Secretary.

Denise McLamb,

Program Analyst, Enterprise Records Service.

[FR Doc. E9-24640 Filed 10-13-09; 8:45 am]

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