FR 2021-02481

The document from the Federal Register pertains to the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which is seeking public input on a proposed collection of information using VA Form 21-4138, "Statement in Support of Claim." This initiative is part of the compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, which requires federal agencies to seek public comment and obtain approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for information collections.

General Summary

The primary purpose of this notice is to invite public comments on the necessity and efficiency of the VA Form 21-4138, a document utilized for certifying statements that support claims processed by the VA. This process involves evaluating whether the form is necessary for the VA's operations, how accurately the burden on respondents is estimated, and if there are opportunities to improve its format to ease the load on respondents. Interested parties are encouraged to submit their comments by April 9, 2021. Maribel Aponte is the designated contact for further information.

Significant Issues and Concerns

There are several notable concerns regarding the document:

• Burden Estimation Clarity: The document does not provide details on how the estimated annual burden of 121,544 hours and the number of respondents, 486,174, were calculated. This lack of transparency may lead to questions about the accuracy and methodology used in these estimates.

• Reduction in Respondents: While there is a mention of a reduction in respondent numbers over the past year, the document does not provide an explanation or any supporting data to elucidate this trend. Understanding the causes behind such changes would help in assessing the necessity of the form.

• Applicability of the Form: There is no specific information on the types of claims for which VA Form 21-4138 is utilized. This could result in confusion for those required to use the form and may hinder its effective application.

• Simplification of Contact Information: The repetition and spread of contact details could be streamlined to facilitate easier understanding and usage.

Impact on the Public

Broadly, this document demonstrates a typical bureaucratic procedure aiming to ensure transparency and public participation in governmental processes. The opportunity for public comment allows individuals and organizations to influence how the VA functions, potentially shaping a more efficient service delivery.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For veterans and those assisting them, the VA Form 21-4138 represents a critical tool in the claims process. Changes that improve the form's clarity and reduce the burden could positively impact these stakeholders by simplifying claims submissions and potentially speeding up processing times. Conversely, issues such as a lack of detail regarding the form's applicability or causes of reduced respondent numbers might hinder effective participation and utilization, thereby potentially having a negative impact.

Engagement in the commenting process is vital for veterans, advocacy groups, and other stakeholders to ensure their insights and experiences contribute to a form that is both user-friendly and purposeful.