E8-25644. Proposed Information Collection (Trainee Request for Leave-Chapter 31, Title 38, U.S.C.) Activity: 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 currently approved collection, and allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. This notice solicits comments for information needed to evaluate a trainee's request for leave from Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program training.

DATES:

Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before December 29, 2008.

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. 2900-0034” 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: Trainee Request for Leave—Chapter 31, Title 38, U.S.C., VA Form 28-1905h.

OMB Control Number: 2900-0034.

Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Abstract: Claimants complete VA Form 28-1905h to request leave from their Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program training. The trainer or authorized school official must verify on the form that the absence will or will not interfere with claimant's progress in the program. Claimants will continue to receive subsistence allowance and other program services during the leave period as if he or she were attending training. Disapproval of the request may result in loss of subsistence allowance for the leave period.

Affected Public: Individuals or households.

Estimated Annual Burden: 7,500 hours.

Estimated Average Burden per Respondent: 15 minutes.

Frequency of Response: On occasion.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 30,000.

Dated: October 17, 2008.

By direction of the Secretary.

Denise McLamb,

Program Analyst, Records Management Service.