03-25837. 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 on the information needed to evaluate veterans' and other eligible person's suitability to change their program of education objectives.

DATES:

Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before December 15, 2003.

ADDRESSES:

Submit written comments on the collection of information to Nancy J. Kessinger, Veterans Benefits Administration (20S52), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20420 e-mail: [e-mail]. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0358” in any correspondence.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Nancy J. Kessinger at [phone] or FAX [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Under the PRA of 1995 (Public Law 104-13; 44 U.S.C. 3501-21), 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: Supplemental Information for Change of Program or Reenrollment After Unsatisfactory Attendance, Conduct or Progress, VA Form 22-8873.

OMB Control Number: 2900-0358.

Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Abstract: Veterans and other eligible persons may change their program of education under conditions prescribed by Title 38 U.S.C., Section 3691. A claimant can normally make one change of program without VA approval. If that claimant makes any additional change of program, VA approval is required. Before VA may approve benefits for a second or subsequent change of program, VA must first determine that the new program is suitable to the claimant's aptitudes, interests, and abilities, or that the cause of any unsatisfactory progress or conduct has been resolved before entering into a different program. VA Form 22-8873 is used to gather the necessary information only if the suitability of the proposed training program cannot be established from information already available in the claimant's VA education records.

Affected Public: Individuals or households.

Estimated Annual Burden: 9,150 hours.

Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent: 30 minutes.

Frequency of Response: On occasion.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 18,300.

Dated: October 2, 2003.

By direction of the Secretary.

Jacqueline Parks,

IT Specialist, Records Management Service.