[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 119 (Tuesday, June 22, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Page 33345]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-15792]


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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

[OMB Control No. 2900-0563]


Proposed Information Collection Activity: Proposed Collection; 
Comment Request

AGENCY: Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) 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 reinstatement of a previously approved collection for 
which approval has expired, and allow 60 days for public comment in 
response to the notice. This notice solicits comments on information 
needed to determine the feasibility of conducting additional scientific 
research on ``health hazards'' resulting from exposure to dioxin and 
herbicides used in Vietnam.

DATES: Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection 
of information should be received on or before August 23, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Submit written comments on the collection of information to 
Ann Bickoff, Veterans Health Administration (191A1), Department of 
Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420. Please 
refer to ``OMB Control No. 2900-0563'' in any correspondence.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ann Bickoff at (202) 273-8310.

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, VHA 
invites comments on: (1) Whether the proposed collection of information 
is necessary for the proper performance of VHA's functions, including 
whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy 
of VHA'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: Army Chemical Corps Vietnam Veterans Health Study, Phase II, 
VA Form 10-20998(NR).
    OMB Control Number: 2900-0563.
    Type of Review: Reinstatement, without change, of a previously 
approved collection for which approval has expired.
    Abstract: In July 1993, the Institute of Medicine of the National 
Academy of Sciences (IOM) issued its report ``Veterans and Agent 
Orange: Health Effects of Herbicides Used in Vietnam'' containing six 
research recommendations including a recommendation that this proposed 
study of Army Vietnam Chemical Corps veterans be conducted. The 
Secretary of Veterans Affairs approved the IOM research recommendations 
in general and informed the Congress of his decision by letter of 
September 27, 1993. If the information for the study is not collected, 
VA will not be able to do the study and will have failed to comply with 
the intent of Congress when Public Law 102-4, the ``Agent Orange Act of 
1991'' was enacted. In addition, the results of the study will be 
valuable to VA in formulating compensation and medical benefits 
policies for veterans of the Vietnam War.
    Affected Public: Business or other for-profit, Not-for-profit 
institutions, Federal Government, and State, Local or Tribal 
Government.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden: 2,531 hours.
    Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent: 45 minutes.
    Frequency of Response: On occasion.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 3,375.

    Dated: May 10, 1999.

    By direction of the Secretary.
Donald L. Neilson,
Director, Information Management Service.
[FR Doc. 99-15792 Filed 6-21-99; 8:45 am]
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