In accordance
with 5 CFR 1320, OMB is approvinb only wave 1 of this collection at
this time; if VA plans to conduct subsequent logitudical waves the
Department must seek OMB approval and provide notice and comment.
Further, OMB and VA agree on the importance of obtaining high
response rates in the first wave of this longitudinal study. While
the current design employs sound practices for obtaining good
response rates, OMB would encourage VA to implement a randomized
experiment on the use of a small monetary incentive for this survey
with the incentive provided unconditionally to respondents with
their 1st questionnaire mailing (not to nonrespondents as
originally proposed). This can help inform the use of incentives in
subsequent waves of this survey as well as other VA collections. In
addition, OMB would also encourage VA to plan to implement mailing
the second follow-up via FedEx to improve response rates. When this
collection is resubmitted for the next wave, VA shall provide
information on the response rates achieved and the results of
nonresponse bias analyses.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
01/31/2012
36 Months From Approved
38,300
0
0
24,858
0
0
0
0
0
The survey of a population based
sample of OIF/OEF veterans and a comparable group of non-deployed
veterans will allow VA to collect information on their current
health status and concerns, exposures of concern in the theater,
health care preferences, and health behaviors and attitudes. More
importantly, the survey will help VA to gain knowledge on the
veterans who have not used VA health care since they returned from
the current conflict. Approximately 2/3 of OIF/OEF veterans have
not used VA health care, despite intensive outreach efforts.
Information from the survey will assist VA in planning and
providing better health care for these veterans and to improve VA's
understanding of the long-term consequences of military
deployment.
US Code:
38 USC Section 7303 Name of Law: Functions of Veterans Health
Administration: research
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that
the collection of information encompassed by this request complies
with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR
1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding
the proposed collection of information, that the certification
covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a
benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control
number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of
these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked
and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.