Proposed Information Collection Activity: Proposed Collection; Comment Request

AGENCY:

National Cemetery Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The National Cemetery Administration (NCA), 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. This notice solicits comments on the information needed to determine if a claimant is entitled to disinter the remains of a loved one from or within a national cemetery.

DATES:

Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before May 17, 2004.

ADDRESSES:

Submit written comments on the collection of information to Mechelle Powell, National Cemetery Administration (41D1), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20420. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0365” in any correspondence.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Mechelle Powell at (202) 273-5181 or FAX (202) 273-6695.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Under the PRA of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13; 44 U.S.C. 3501-3521), Federal agencies must obtain approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for each collection of information they conduct or sponsor. This request for comment is being made pursuant to section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA.

With respect to the following collection of information, NCA invites comments on: (1) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of NCA's functions, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of NCA's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or the use of other forms of information technology.

Title: Request for Disinterment, VA Form 40-4970.

OMB Control Number: 2900-0365.

Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Abstract: Claimants complete VA Form 40-4970 to request removal of remains from a national cemetery for interment at another location. Interments made in national cemeteries are permanent and final. Disinterment will be permitted for cogent reasons with prior written authorization by the Cemetery Director. Approval can be granted when all immediate family members of the decedent, including the person who initiated the interment, (whether or not he/she is a member of the immediate family) give their written consent. The form is an affidavit that requires signatories to execute the document before a notary. In lieu of submitting VA Form 40-4970, an order from a court of local jurisdiction will be accepted.

Affected Public: Individuals or households.

Estimated Annual Burden: 55.

Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent: 10 minutes.

Frequency of Response: On occasion.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 329.