[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 52 (Thursday, March 18, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Page 13470]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-6579]


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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

[OMB Control No. 2900-0355]


Proposed Information Collection Activity: Proposed Collection; 
Comment Request

AGENCY: Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans 
Affairs.

ACTION: Notice.

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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 the 
information needed to pay benefits to veterans and other eligible 
persons pursuing approved programs of education.

DATES: Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection 
of information should be received on or before May 17, 1999.

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. 2900-0355'' in any 
correspondence.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nancy J. Kessinger at (202) 273-7079 
or FAX (202) 275-5947.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the PRA of 1995 (Public Law 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: Verification of Pursuit of Course (Leading to a Standard 
College Degree Under Chapters 32, 34, and 35, Title 38, U.S.C., and 
Section 903 of Public Law 96-342), VA Form 22-6553.
    OMB Control Number: 2900-0355.
    Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.
    Abstract: The information collection is used to verify the 
continued enrollment or report change in enrollment status for any 
student receiving VA educational benefits for the pursuit of a college 
course. VA uses the information to determine if education benefits are 
to be continued unchanged, increased, decreased, or terminated. Without 
the information VA might underpay or overpay benefits.
    Affected Public: State, Local or Tribal Governments, Not-for-profit 
Institutions.
    Estimated Annual Burden: 24,485 hours.
    Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent: 10 minutes.
    Frequency of Response: The frequency of responses for each 
educational institution will vary according to the number of students 
who receive VA education benefits at that school. VA estimates an 
annual average of 27 responses per educational institution.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: The number of respondents is 
arrived at based on the average number of educational institutions 
using VA Form 22-6553 which had veterans or eligible persons enrolled 
during the last 12 months, and a projected number of trainees. VA 
currently has an average of 5,441 active educational institutions 
(colleges, universities, or other institutions of higher learning).

    Dated: February 10, 1999.

    By direction of the Secretary.
Donald L. Neilson,
Director, Information Management Service.
[FR Doc. 99-6579 Filed 3-17-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8320-01-P