2014-02551. Proposed Information Collection (Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Longitudinal Study Survey) 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 revision of a current approved collection, and allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. This notice solicits comments for information needed to determine the long-term outcomes of Veterans participating in VBA's Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) Program.

DATES:

Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before April 7, 2014.

ADDRESSES:

Submit written comments on the collection of information through the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) at 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 [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:

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: Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Longitudinal Study Survey.

OMB Control Number: 2900-0786.

Type of Review: Revision of a currently approved collection.

Abstract: As required by Public Law 110-389 Section 334, VBA will collect survey data 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 on a daily basis.

Affected Public: Individuals and Households.

Estimated Annual Burden: 2,333 hours.

Estimated Average Burden per Respondent: 20 minutes.

Frequency of Response: Annually.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 7,000.

Dated: February 3, 2014.

By direction of the Secretary.

Crystal Rennie,

Department Clearance Officer, Department of Veterans Affairs.