Comment on VA-2026-VACO-0001-0207 (Anonymous)
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Summary: The commenter suggests that the agency should create specific, separate application forms for DIC, Death Pension, and Accrued benefits rather than using a single combined form. They argue that this separation would reduce respondent burden by removing irrelevant sections and allowing for more efficient processing of specific benefit requirements.
The first 8 pages of VA Form 21-526EZ are informational. If this information is not provided upfront, then employees have to send letters in compliance with 5103 Notice, determination of disability rating, determination of effective date, evidence required for certain benefits, the difference between fully developed claims and standard claims process. The application form (VA Form 21-526EZ) was updated January 2026 and the respondent burden time is 25 minutes.
The first 9 pages of VA Form 21P-534 are informational and last updated August 2025. This application is for consideration of 3 benefits -- DIC, Death Pension, and Accrued which makes the respondent burden time 40 minutes. Instead of having one form for all three benefits, create specific applications for each benefit. Some of the sections would not apply to most applicants. The most time consuming portion of the application is death pension because it is income based which allows for medical deductions and applying for special monthly pension. The medical expense portion allows for upfront information for consideration in determining eligibility inside of piecemeal development. Separation of benefit consideration is more beneficial than trying to reduce or elimination sections.