Proposed Information Collection Activity: Proposed Collection; Comment Request

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.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

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]

BILLING CODE 8320-01-P