03-13892. 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 for information needed to determine the amount of educational benefits payable to veterans or eligible persons pursuing approved programs.

DATES:

Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before August 4, 2003.

ADDRESSES:

Submit written comments on the collection of information to Nancy J. Kessinger, Veterans Benefits Administration (20S52), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20420. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0073” in any correspondence.

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., 3501-3520), 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: Enrollment Certification, VA Form 22-1999. (Note: A reference to VA Form 22-1999 also includes VA Forms 22-1999-1, 22-1999-2, 22-1999-3, 22-1999-4, 22-1999-5, and 22-1999-6 which contains the same information as VA Form 22-1999.)

OMB Control Number: 2900-0073.

Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Abstract: Educational institutions and job establishments use VA Form 22-1999 to report information concerning the enrollment or reenrollment into training of veterans, service persons, reservists, and other eligible persons. The information collected on VA Form 22-1999 is used by VA to determine the amount of educational benefits payable to the trainee during the period of enrollment or training and to determine whether the trainee has requested an advanced payment of benefits. Without the information, VA would not have a basis upon which to make payment.

Affected Public: Not-for-profit institutions, Business or other for-profit, Federal Government, and State, Local or Tribal Government.

Estimated Annual Burden: 137,424 hours.

Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent: 10 minutes.

Frequency of Response: On occasion.

Estimated Annual Responses: 916,160.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 8,180.

Dated: May 16, 2003.

By direction of the Secretary.

Jacqueline Parks,

IT Specialist, Records Management Service.