Public Law 110-389, Section
221(a)directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to carry out
a one-year pilot program to assess the feasibility and advisability
of expeditiously processing fully developed compensation and
pension claims within 90 days after receipt of the claim. The law
requires the claimant and the representative submit a certification
in writing that is signed and dated by the claimant stating that,
as of such date, no additional information or evidence is available
or needs to be submitted in order for the claim to be
adjudicated.
The increase in burden is due
to additional Regional Offices. Also VA Forms 21-526EZ, Fully
Developed Claim (Express Compensation Claim), and 21-527EZ, Fully
Developed Claim (Express Pension Claim), will replace the
Certificate for Fully Developed Claim (VAF 21-0844). Both claims
forms certification include the same information as VAF 21-0844,
however, there is a substantial increase in the information
provided and questions asked of claimants. These applications will
still allow VA to process fully developed claims within 90 days of
receipt as stated in the Federal Register notice for VAF 21-0844. A
claim is considered fully developed when the claimant has no other
information to submit and requires no additional VA assistance,
except for obtaining federal records and ordering medical
examinations.
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.