[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 97 (Friday, May 18, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Pages 27750-27751]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-12526]


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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

[OMB Control No. 2900-NEW-ALS]


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), Department of

[[Page 27751]]

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 new 
collection, and allow 60 days for public comment in response to the 
notice. This notice solicits comments for information needed to conduct 
a study of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis among Gulf War veterans.

DATES: Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection 
of information should be received on or before July 17, 2001.

ADDRESSES: Submit written comments on the collection of information to 
Ann W. Bickoff, Veterans Health Administration (193B1), Department of 
Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20420 or e-
mail [email protected]. Please refer to ``OMB Control No. 2900-
NEW-ALS'' in any correspondence.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ann W. Bickoff (202) 273-8310 or FAX 
(202) 273-9381.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the PRA of 1995 (Pub. L. 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: A Study of Amoytrophic Lateral Sclerosis Among Gulf War 
Veterans.
    OMB Control Number: 2900-NEW-ALS.
    Type of Review: New collection.
    Abstract: This study is designed to investigate the occurrence and 
to identify the causes of Amoytrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) among 
Gulf War veterans. The study will further define the epidemiology of 
the neurological disease among veterans under the age of 45, and will 
determine whether there is a higher than expected occurrence. ALS is a 
rare disease in patients under the age of 45, which is the group of the 
majority of veterans on active duty during the Gulf War. The study will 
also ascertain the probable (possible) etiology of ALS. The result of 
the data collection will have importance for both the VA in achieving 
its mission to provide for the health of veterans and for the larger 
society in understanding ALS. The study will indicate whether veterans 
deployed to the Persian Gulf during the Gulf War are at elevated risk 
of ALS.
    Affected Public: Individuals or households.
    Estimated Annual Burden: 756 hours.
    Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent: 6 hours.
    Frequency of Response: Generally one time.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 126.

    Dated: March 30, 2001.
    By direction of the Secretary.
Barbara H. Epps,
Management Analyst, Information Management Service.
[FR Doc. 01-12526 Filed 5-17-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8320-01-P