Proposed Information Collection Activity: Proposed Collection; Comment Request

AGENCY:

Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), 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 for information needed to determine the number of correspondence courses completed by a student and serviced by the correspondence school.

DATES:

Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before March 13, 2006.

ADDRESSES:

Submit written comments on the collection of information to Nancy J. Kessinger, Veterans Benefits Administration (20M35), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20420 or e-mail: irmnkess@vba.va.gov. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0353” in any correspondence.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Nancy J. Kessinger at (202) 273-7079 or FAX (202) 275-5947.

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, VBA invites comments on: (1) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of VBA's functions, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of VBA'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: Certification of Lessons Completed, (Chapters 30, 32, and 35, Title 38, U.S.C.; Chapter 31, 110, 1606 and 1607, Title 10, U.S.C.; and section 903, Pub. L. 96-342), VA Forms 22-6553b and 22-6553b-1.

OMB Control Number: 2900-0353.

Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Abstract: Students enrolled in a correspondence school complete VA Forms 22-6553b and 22-6553b-1 to report the number of correspondence course lessons completed and forward the forms to the correspondence school for certification. School official certifies the number of lessons serviced and submits the forms to VA for processing. Benefits are payable based on the data provided on the form. Benefits are not payable when students interrupt, discontinue, or complete the training. VA uses the data collected to determine the amount of benefit is payable.

Affected Public: Individuals or Households and Business or Other for-Profit.

Estimated Annual Burden: 1,200 hours.

Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent: 10 minutes.

Frequency of Response: On occasion.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 7,200.

Number of Responses Annually: 2400.