FR 2025-06717

The document under review is an announcement by the Veterans Benefits Administration, a part of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), about a proposed information collection. This announcement, published in the Federal Register, invites the public to comment on a form that assists in determining whether a loan fee refund owed to a deceased veteran can be rightfully given to another person, such as a surviving spouse or estate executor. This document is issued under the authority of the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, which requires federal agencies to seek public feedback for proposed information collections.

General Summary

The Veterans Benefits Administration is seeking public input on a proposed information collection titled "Statement of a Person Claiming Loan Fee Refund Due a Deceased Veteran, Service Member, or Surviving Spouse." The collection involves VA Form 26-10280 and possibly VA Form 26-10280a, used by the VA to ensure the refund is given to an appropriate individual. Public comments on this proposal are invited until June 17, 2025, and can be submitted through www.regulations.gov.

Significant Issues and Concerns

One notable issue with the document is the repetition of "Veterans Benefits Administration" in the "AGENCY" section, which could be seen as poor editorial practice. Furthermore, there is a lack of clarity in explaining why public comments are requested under Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA, which relies on prior knowledge of specific legal frameworks. The document also does not sufficiently clarify how the VA will use the information collected to decide who receives the refund, nor does it distinguish between the two forms mentioned, potentially causing confusion among stakeholders. Additionally, the language regarding state laws is complex and could be challenging for non-experts to understand, which may limit meaningful public engagement.

Impact on the Public

The document provides an opportunity for the public to give feedback on VA processes that affect claims for refunds due to deceased veterans, potentially impacting several thousand households. This statutory consultation period allows citizens to express their views on whether the practices will equitably and effectively ensure that refunds are distributed according to relevant state laws. However, the document might deter engagement due to complex legal references and unclear procedures.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For veterans' families and those closely involved, like surviving spouses or estate executors, the proposed collection will have substantial implications. Successful refinement and implementation of this information collection could ease the process of retrieving due refunds, providing valuable financial recuperation to families. Conversely, inadequate clarity and transparency may result in misunderstandings or mismanagement of refund allocations, potentially delaying the receipt of funds that could otherwise be leveraged by the beneficiaries for various needs.

Overall, while the document serves an essential function in soliciting public feedback, clearer communication and transparency about the procedural details, as well as simplified language, could enhance public engagement and result in more informed and beneficial feedback.