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###### Department of Veterans Affairs

          - [OMB Control No. 2900-0216] 

# 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 publish notice in the                         **Federal Register**                         concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed revision 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 appropriate claimant entitlement to accrued benefits.                     

# DATES:

Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before April 5, 2005. 

# 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. 2900-0216” 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. 3501-3521), 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:*                     Application for Reimbursement from Accrued Amounts Due a Deceased Beneficiary, VA Form 21-601.                 

*OMB Control Number:*                     2900-0216.                 

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

*Abstract:*                     The information collected on VA Form 21-601 is use to determine claimants entitlement to accrued benefits due a veteran but not paid prior to the veteran's death. Each survivor claiming a share of the accrued benefits must complete a separate VA Form 21-601; however if there is no living survivors who are entitled on the basis of relationship, accrued benefits may be payable as reimbursement to the person or persons who bore the expenses of the veteran's last illness and burial expenses.                 

*Affected Public:*                     Individuals or households and Business or other for-profit.                 

*Estimated Annual Burden:*                     2,300 hours.                 

*Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent:*                     30 minutes.                 

*Frequency of Response:*                     One time.                 

*Estimated Number of Respondents:*                     4,600.                 

Dated: January 26, 2005. 

By direction of the Secretary. 

Loise Russell, 

Director, Records Management Service. 

[FR Doc. 05-2158 Filed 2-3-05; 8:45 am] 

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