2019-01687. Agency Information Collection Activity: (Application for Vocational Rehabilitation for Veterans With Service-Connected Disabilities (Chapter 31, Title 38 U.S.C.) (VA Form 28-1900))

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 revision of a currently approved collection, and allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice.

VA Form 28-1900 is completed by Veterans with a combined service-connected disability rating of 10 percent or more and Servicemembers awaiting discharge for such disability to apply for vocational rehabilitation benefits. VA provides services and assistance to Veterans with service-connected disabilities, who are determined entitled to such benefits, to obtain and maintain suitable employment. Vocational rehabilitation also provides service to support veterans with service-connected disabilities to achieve maximum independence in their daily living activities if employment is not reasonably feasible. VA use the information collected to determine the claimant's eligibility for vocational rehabilitation benefits.

DATES:

Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before March 11, 2019.

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. 2900-0009” in any correspondence. During the comment period, comments may be viewed online through the FDMS.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Danny S. Green at [phone].

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 104-13; 44 U.S.C. 3501-3521.

Title: (Application for Vocational Rehabilitation for Veterans with Service-connected Disabilities (Chapter 31, Title 38 U.S.C.) (VA Form 28-1900)).

OMB Control Number: 2900-0009.

Type of Review: Reinstatement With Change to a Previously Approved Collection.

Abstract: VA Form 28-1900 is completed by Veterans with a combined service-connected disability rating of 10 percent or more and Servicemembers awaiting discharge for such disability to apply for vocational rehabilitation benefits. VA provides services and assistance to Veterans with service-connected disabilities, who are determined entitled to such benefits, to obtain and maintain suitable employment. Vocational rehabilitation also provides service to support veterans with service-connected disabilities to achieve maximum independence in their daily living activities if employment is not reasonably feasible. VA use the information collected to determine the claimant's eligibility for vocational rehabilitation benefits.

Affected Public: Individuals or households.

Estimated Annual Burden: 21,419 hours.

Estimated Average Burden per Respondent: 10 minutes.

Frequency of Response: One time.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 128,515.

By direction of the Secretary:

Danny S. Green,

Interim VA Clearance Officer, Office of Quality Performance and Risk (QPR), Department of Veterans Affairs.