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. VA Form 21-526EZ is used to collect the information needed to process a fully developed claim for disability compensation and/or related compensation benefits. Though the law requires the claimant submit a certification in writing that states no additional information or evidence is available or needs to be submitted in order for the claim to be adjudicated via the fully developed claim program, the form has evolved into a standard claim form to be used for any benefit associated with disability compensation; to include new or initial claims, reopened claims, and claims for increase.
VA Form 21-526EZ is being resubmitted to correct the previous estimate of burden. The publication of RIN 2900-AO81, Standard Claims and Appeals final rule on 9/24/2014, required submission of all claims on a standardized form, greatly increasing the total number of respondents. Unfortunately, the previous justification did not include updates to the increase in respondents and burden estimate. This resubmission corrects that error. Within the new burden estimate, VA has separated out the paper and electronic burdens for tracking/informational purposes as we move to continue improving our electronic claims process.
VA increased the burden, due to:
⢠New or initial claims received,
⢠Reopened claims received,
⢠Increased claims received, and
⢠General program changes, such as regulatory changes and the discontinuance of other claim forms (if any).
This new estimate of respondents has increased the burden estimate.
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 Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits
2019-07106.pdf
2900-0747 Comment-Response 2019.docx
Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits