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###### Department of Veterans Affairs

          - [OMB Control No. 2900-0600] 

# AGENCY:

Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs. 

# ACTION:

Notice. 

# SUMMARY:

                        The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) 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 reinstatement, without 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 review denied claims for medical treatment.                     

# DATES:

Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before April 16, 2001. 

# ADDRESSES:

Submit written comments on the collection of information to Ann Bickoff, Veterans Health Administration (193B1), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0600” in any correspondence. 

# FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Ann Bickoff at (202) 273-8310. 

# 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, VHA invites comments on: (1) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of VHA's functions, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of VHA'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:*                     Regulation for Reconsideration of Denied Claims (Title 38 CFR 17.133).                 

*OMB Control Number:*                     2900-0600.                 

*Type of Review:*                     Reinstatement, without change, of a previously approved collection for which approval has expired.                           ( print page 10566)    

*Abstract:*                     The purpose of this data collection is to provide a vehicle for veterans to request an informal review of their denied claims. Veterans whose applications for healthcare benefits have been denied will initiate these requests. The data submitted by denied applicants will be reviewed by hospital administrative personnel to ensure the correctness of the decision to deny.                 

*Affected Public:*                     Individuals or households.                 

*Estimated Total Annual Burden:*                     25,413 hours.                 

*Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent:*                     15 minutes.                 

*Frequency of Response:*                     On occasion.                 

*Estimated Number of Respondents:*                     101,652.                 

Dated: January 10, 2001. 

By direction of the Secretary.

Donald L. Neilson, 

Director, Information Management Service. 

[FR Doc. 01-3866 Filed 2-14-01; 8:45 am] 

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