[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 228 (Monday, November 29, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Page 66697]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-30764]


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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

[OMB Control No. 2900-0573]


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 extend the eligibility period of a spouse or 
surviving spouse to use Survivors' and Dependents' Educational 
Assistance (DEA).

DATES: Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection 
of information should be received on or before January 28, 2000.

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. 2900-0573'' 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: Application for Extension of Eligibility Period under 
Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (Title 38 CFR 
21.3047).
    OMB Control Number: 2900-0573.
    Type of Review: Extension of a previously approved collection.
    Abstract: VA is required by statue (Title 38, U.S.C., Section 3512) 
to extend the period of eligibility a spouse or surviving spouse has to 
use Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) if during 
that period she or he was prevented from initiating or completing a 
program of education due to a physical or mental disability. VA has no 
way of knowing who needs such an extension unless the individual 
applies for it. In order for VA to make the proper decision on such an 
application, VA requires that the claimant provide medical evidence to 
support the claim that the disability exists. If VA doesn't collect 
supporting medical evidence, the department may give this extension to 
someone who doesn't meet the criteria for an extension, or, conversely, 
the department may deny the extension to someone who meets the criteria 
for an extension.
    Affected Public: Individuals or households.
    Estimated Annual Burden: 120 hours.
    Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent: 60 minutes.
    Frequency of Response: On occasion.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 120.
    By direction of the Secretary.

    Dated: November 2, 1999.
Barbara H. Epps,
Management Analyst, Information Management Service.
[FR Doc. 99-30764 Filed 11-26-99; 8:45 am]
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