VA Form 21-0845 will be used to
release information in its custody or control in the following
circumstances: where the individual identifies the particular
information and consents to its use; for the purpose for which it
was collected or a consistent purpose (i.e. a purpose which the
individual might have reasonably expected).
Based upon
recommendations made by The Former Presidents Commission On Care
For Americas Returning Wounded Warriors, The Wounded, Ill, VA
continues to look at ways in which we can improve and modernize our
disability and compensation systems for severely wounded and
injured soldiers and veterans. As a result, we recently developed a
form to remove obstacles that prevent VA from sharing claim
information with the family members of severely injured service
members, who are unable to communicate with VA due to their
injuries. This form allows a claimant or beneficiary to authorize
release of certain claims information to an agent or person(s) who
they designate. We believe this form will aid in the family
member(s) in making well-informed decisions regarding a seriously
ill or injured beneficiary. It will also allow them to have updated
information on certain decisions made regarding claims and
payments. We are requesting emergency approval of this form since
it is in line with former President Bush's Interagency Task Force
on Returning Global War on Terror Heroes, which was a
government-wide action plan that was established to improve our
care for America's troops and veterans.
US Code:
5 USC
552a Name of Law: Privacy Act Law
US Code: 38
USC 5701 Name of Law: Confidential nature of claims
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.