Overview
Title
Agency Information Collection Activity: Application of Surviving Spouse or Child for REPS Benefits (Restored Entitlement Program for Survivors)
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The Veterans Benefits Administration wants to hear what people think about some forms they use to help families of veterans who have passed away. They are asking until April 19, 2021, for ideas on how to make these forms easier and better for people to fill out.
Summary AI
The Veterans Benefits Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking public comments on a proposed information collection related to the Restored Entitlement Program for Survivors (REPS). This request is part of the requirements under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, which mandates public notice and comment for such information collections. The goal is to gather input on the necessity, accuracy, and ways to reduce the burden of this information collection. Interested parties have until April 19, 2021, to submit their comments.
Abstract
Veteran's 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 extension of a currently approved collection, and allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice.
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Sources
AnalysisAI
The document from the Veterans Benefits Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs announces the opportunity for public comment on a proposed information collection activity concerning the Restored Entitlement Program for Survivors (REPS). This notice is part of the process mandated by the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, which requires federal agencies to seek public feedback on information collection to ensure necessity and efficiency.
General Summary
The initiative focuses on collecting input regarding the necessity, accuracy, and potential burden of the information collection process related to REPS benefits. These benefits are for certain surviving spouses and children of veterans who passed away under specific conditions related to their service before August 13, 1981. The Veterans Affairs Department aims to assess and potentially modify the current collection approach based on public input received by April 19, 2021.
Significant Issues or Concerns
One primary concern stemming from the document is its technical nature. The language used, referencing laws like the PRA, OMB Control Numbers, and legal codes, may not be easily understood by individuals unfamiliar with legal or bureaucratic terminology. This complexity may hinder effective public participation, as stakeholders may struggle to understand the implications of their input.
The document also does not clarify what constitutes "practical utility" or an "acceptable burden" for respondents. These terms can be subjective and open to interpretation, leading to potential disparities in understanding the collection process's requirements and objectives.
Additionally, the document does not specify how the public comments will influence the final decision-making process or what changes might result from the feedback. This lack of transparency may create uncertainty about the public's role in shaping federal procedures.
Public Impact
For the general public, this document may appear as an opportunity to participate directly in how the government collects and processes information concerning veterans' benefits. However, the technically dense language might reduce the effectiveness of broader public engagement.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
Veterans' Families: The primary stakeholders are the surviving spouses and children of deceased veterans who could benefit from the REPS program. If the information collection process is streamlined based on public feedback, it could make applying for benefits more accessible for these families, reducing delays and confusion.
Advocacy Groups: Organizations representing veterans and their families might play a crucial role in interpreting the document's content and advocating for necessary changes. They may provide valuable feedback to ensure the program's efficiency and accessibility.
While the document offers an important platform for public engagement, clear communication and actionability of the feedback are essential to make this initiative successful for all parties involved.
Issues
• The document does not specify any budget or financial figures, so it is not possible to assess potential wasteful spending or favoritism towards particular organizations or individuals.
• The language used in the document is technical and may be difficult to understand for individuals not familiar with legal or government bureaucracy, specifically the references to the PRA of 1995, OMB Control Numbers, and legal codes such as 38 U.S.C. 5101; 38 CFR 3.812.
• The document does not provide specific examples or clarification regarding what constitutes practical utility or acceptable burden, which may be subjective and open to misinterpretation.
• It is unclear how the public comments will be used or what exact changes could be made as a result, which may lead to uncertainty about the effectiveness of public participation.