VA should resubmit this request at the final rule stage.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
04/30/2016
36 Months From Approved
04/30/2016
104,440
0
104,440
43,517
0
43,517
0
0
0
Public Law 110-389, Section 221(a)directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to expeditiously process fully developed compensation and pension claims within 90 days after receipt of the claim. The law requires the claimant and the representative submit a certification in writing that is signed and dated by the claimant stating that, as of such date, no additional information or evidence is available or needs to be submitted in order for the claim to be adjudicated.
The increase in burden is due to the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) RIN 2900-AO81, "Standard Claims and Appeals Forms" which proposes to require all claims for benefits to be submitted on an application or form prescribed by the Secretary. VA is proposing to codify its regulations to standardize the use of all VA forms, to include VA Forms 21-526EZ, 21-527EZ and 21-534EZ. Currently, other than for the initial original claim, VA does not require that claimants submit any subsequent claim on a prescribed VA form. Although there is no substantive change in these forms, VA expects a substantial increase in the number of respondents submitting VA Forms 21-526EZ, 21-527EZ, and 21-534EZ on account of VA's electronic claims processing system which uses these forms and expects an increase in the annual number of respondents filing compensation, pension, and death claims in VA's fully developed claim program which requires submission on these forms. The total estimated costs to respondents and the federal government have changed as shown in paragraphs 12 and 14 of this statement.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
Form VA Form 21-526EZ Fully Developed Claims- Applications for Compensation, Pension, DIC, Death Pension, and/or Accrued Benefits
2900-0747 Supporting Statement VAF 526EZ 527EZ and 534EZ 9-12-13.doc
Fully Developed Claims- Applications for Compensation, Pension, DIC, Death Pension, and/or Accrued Benefits