E7-20333. 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 a claimant's date of enrollment in a correspondence course.

DATES:

Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before December 17, 2007.

ADDRESSES:

Submit written comments on the collection of information through http://www.Regulations.gov or to Nancy J. Kessinger, Veterans Benefits Administration (20M35), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20420 or e-mail to [e-mail]. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0576” in any correspondence. During the comment period, comments may be viewed online through the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) at http://www.Regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

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

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: Certificate of Affirmation of Enrollment Agreement—Correspondence Course (Under Chapters 20, 32, & 35, Title 38 U.S.C., section 903 of Pub. L. 96-342, or Chapter 1606, Title 10, U.S.C.), VA Form 22-1999c.

OMB Control Number: 2900-0576.

Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Abstract: Claimants enrolled in a correspondence training course complete and submit VA Form 22-1999c to the correspondence school to affirm the enrollment agreement contract. The certifying official at the correspondence school submits the form and the enrollment certification to VA for processing. VA uses the information to determine if the claimant signed and dated the form during the ten-day reflection period deciding whether to enroll in the correspondence course and if such course is suitable to his or her abilities and interest. In addition, the claimant must sign VA Form 22-1999c on or after the twelfth day the enrollment agreement was dated. VA will not pay educational benefits for correspondence training that was completed nor accept the affirmation agreement that was signed and dated on or before the enrollment agreement date.

Affected Public: Individuals or households.

Estimated Annual Burden: 48 hours.

Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent: 3 minutes.

Frequency of Response: On occasion.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 952.

October 3, 2007.

By direction of the Secretary.

Denise McLamb,

Program Analyst, Records Management Service.