2023-26141. Agency Information Collection Activity: Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) Longitudinal Study Survey Questionnaire

AGENCY:

Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

Veterans Benefits Administration, 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.

DATES:

Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before January 29, 2024.

ADDRESSES:

Submit written comments on the collection of information through Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) at www.Regulations.gov or to Nancy J. Kessinger, Veterans Benefits Administration (20M33), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 or email to [e-mail]. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900–0786” in any correspondence. During the comment period, comments may be viewed online through FDMS.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Maribel Aponte, Office of Enterprise and Integration, Data Governance Analytics (008), 810 Vermont Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20006, (202) 266–4688 or email [e-mail]. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900–0786” in any correspondence.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Under the PRA of 1995, 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.

Authority:Public Law 112–256, section 221–225.

Title: Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) VR&E Longitudinal Study Survey Questionnaire.

OMB Control Number: 2900–0786.

Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Abstract: As required by Public Law 110–389 section 334, VBA will continue to collect survey data with the revised questionnaire on individuals who began participating in the VR&E program during fiscal years 2010, 2012, and 2014. VA will conduct a study of this data to determine the long-term positive outcomes of individuals participating in VBA's VR&E program. The purpose of this study is to monitor the effectiveness of VR&E program, so that we can find ways to improve the program and increase the support VA provide to Veterans daily. The data collected in this study is integral to VA submitting a congressionally-mandated annual report on the long-term outcomes of Veterans who participate in the VR&E program.

Affected Public: Individuals.

Estimated Annual Burden: 2,695 hours.

Estimated Average Burden per Respondent: 20 minutes.

Frequency of Response: Annual.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 8,084.

By direction of the Secretary.

Maribel Aponte,

VA PRA Clearance Officer, Office of Enterprise and Integration/Data Governance Analytics, Department of Veterans Affairs.