E8-6034. Proposed Information Collection (Approval of School Attendance) 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 a currently approved collection, and allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. This notice solicits comments for information necessary to determine entitlement to compensation and pension benefits for a child between the ages of 18 and 23 attending school.

DATES:

Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before May 27, 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. 2900-0049” 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.

Titles:

a. Request for Approval of School Attendance, VA Form 21-674 and 21-674c.

b. School Attendance Report, VA Form 21-674b.

OMB Control Number: 2900-0049.

Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Abstract: Recipients of disability compensation, dependency and indemnity compensation, disability pension, and death pension are entitled to benefits for eligible children between the ages of 18 and 23 who are attending school. VA Forms 21-674, 21-674c and 21-674b are used to confirm school attendance of children for whom VA compensation or pension benefits are being paid and to report any changes in entitlement factors, including marriages, a change in course of instruction and termination of school attendance.

Affected Public: Individuals or households.

Estimated Annual Burden:

a. VA Forms 21-674 and 674c—34,500 hours.

b. VA Form 21-674b—3,292 hours.

Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent:

a. VA Forms 21-674 and 674c—15 minutes.

b. VA Form 21-674b—5 minutes.

Frequency of Response: On occasion.

Estimated Number of Respondents:

a. VA Forms 21-674 and 674c—138,000 hours.

b. VA Form 21-674b—39,500 hours.

Dated: March 18, 2008.

By direction of the Secretary.

Denise McLamb,

Program Analyst, Records Management Service.