05-2534. 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 information needed to determine the type of educational benefit payable to Selected Reservist members.

DATES:

Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before April 11, 2005.

ADDRESSES:

Submit written comments on the collection of information to Nancy J. Kessinger, Veterans Benefits Administration (20M35), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20420 or e-mail: [e-mail]. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0594” 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. 3501-3521), 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: Election to Apply Selected Reserve Services to either Montgomery GI Bill—Active Duty or to the Montgomery GI Bill—Selected Reserve—38 CFR 21.7042 and 21.7540.

OMB Control Number: 2900-0594.

Type of Review: Extension of a previously approved collection.

Abstract: Reservist who participant in the Montgomery GI Bill—Active Duty and served on active duty for two years followed by six years in the Selected Reserve must elect to apply the selected reserved credit either toward the Montgomery GI Bill—Active Duty or toward the Montgomery GI Bill—Selected Reserve benefits. Reservists must make this election in writing, which will take effect when the individual either negotiates a check or receives education benefits via direct deposit or electronic funds transfer under the program elected. VA uses the election to determine which benefit is payable based on the individual's Selected Reserve service.

Affected Public: Individuals or households.

Estimated Annual Burden: 1,667 hours.

Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent: 20 minutes.

Frequency of Response: One time.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 5,000.

Dated: January 31, 2005.

By direction of the Secretary.

Loise Russell,

Director, Records Management Service.