2011-28152. Proposed Information Collection (Certification of Lessons Completed) 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 report the number of correspondence course lessons completed and for correspondence schools to report the number of lessons serviced.

DATES:

Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before January 3, 2012.

ADDRESSES:

Submit written comments on the collection of information through the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) at 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 email to [e-mail]. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0353” in any correspondence. During the comment period, comments may be viewed online through FDMS.

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: Certification of Lessons Completed, 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: 411 hours.

Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent: 10 minutes.

Frequency of Response: Quarterly.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 821.

Number of Responses Annually: 2,463.

Dated: October 26, 2011.

By direction of the Secretary.

Denise McLamb,

Program Analyst, Enterprise Records Service.