A September 8, 2015, Federal Register notice by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking nominees to be considered for membership on the Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses (Committee). The Committee is authorized by Public Law 105-368, § 104 (statute) to provide advice to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Secretary) on the proposed research studies, plans, and strategies related to understanding and treating the health consequences of military service in the Southwest Asia theatre of operations during the 1990–1991 Gulf War.
In accordance with the statute and the Committee's current charter, the majority of the membership shall consist of non-federal employees, appointed by the Secretary from the general public, serving as Special Government Employees. The Committee provides, not later than December 1 of each year, an annual report summarizing its activities for the preceding year. The Committee reports to the Secretary through the Under Secretary for Health. The Secretary appoints Committee members for a period of 2 to 3 years. A term of service for any member may not exceed 3 years. The Secretary may reappoint members for additional terms.
Self-nominations and nominations of non-Veterans will be accepted. Any letters of nomination from organizations or other individuals should accompany the package when it is submitted.
In accordance with the statute, the members of the Committee are appointed by the Secretary from the general public, including but not limited to:
1) Gulf War Veterans;
2) Representatives of such Veterans; and
3) Members of the medical and scientific communities representing disciplines, such as, but not limited to, epidemiology, immunology, environmental health, neurology, and toxicology.
Nominations for membership on the Committee must be received by October 9, 2015, no later than 4:00 pm, Eastern Standard Time. All nomination packages should be sent to:
Dr. Victor Kalasinsky, Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420.
Should you need additional information, you may contact Dr. Kalasinsky at the address above or by phone at (202) 443-5600. (NOTE: This is not a toll-free number.) You also may email the nomination package to Victor Kalasinsky or fax to (202) 495-6155.