ADDENDUM TO RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER: BC-1993-00290-2

	COUNSEL: NONE
	
	HEARING REQUESTED: YES

APPLICANT’S REQUEST

The Board reconsider his request to correct his AF Form 356, Findings and Recommended Disposition of USAF Physical Evaluation Board, item 10D, to reflect “yes” indicating that his ventricular tachycardia was considered combat-related.  

By amendment at Exhibit G, his retirement order, Special Order ACD-1336, dated 13 Apr 93, be corrected to reflect combat-related (new request).

RESUME OF THE CASE

The applicant is a permanently retired Air Force captain (O-3) who received a 30% disability retirement on 23 Apr 93, with credit for 9 years, 3 months, and 20 days of active service.  On 26 Apr 93, the Board considered and denied his request to correct his unfitting condition as combat-related, finding that the applicant had provided insufficient evidence of an error or injustice to justify relief.

For an accounting of the applicant’s original request and the rationale of the earlier decision, see the AFBCMR Letter and Record of Proceedings at Exhibit G.

On 25 Feb 19, the applicant requested reconsideration of his request.  He contends there have been several in-depth medical studies since his initial request that clearly demonstrate that Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) training causes extreme stress equivalent to extended combat and it directly causes release of numerous hormones, and as a prior SERE training instructor, it is more likely than not the cause of his ventricular tachycardia condition.  In support of his request, the applicant provides new evidence in the form of copies of medical studies, training history printout and retirement order.

The applicant’s complete submission is at Exhibit G.

AIR FORCE EVALUATION

AFPC/DPFDD, recommends denying the application indicating there is no indication an error or injustice occurred at the time the PEB processed the applicant’s disability case.  In accordance with (IAW) DoDI 1332.18, Disability Evaluation System, dated 5 Aug 14, 44 APPENDIX 5 TO ENCLOSURE 3, the applicant’s disability currently does not qualify as “combat related”, as defined in 26 U.S.C. 104. There must be a definite, documented, causal relationship between a combat-related event/incident while in service and the resulting disability.  The board reviewed the documentation included in the applicant’s application; along with the physical evaluation board (PEB) case file and found no such evidence.  Due to the lack of this documentation, the board would not categorize his condition as “combat-related” therefore; a correction to the retirement order is not warranted.

The complete advisory opinion is at Exhibit I.

APPLICANT’S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION

The Board sent a copy of the advisory opinion to the applicant on 21 Aug 19 for comment (Exhibit I), and the applicant’s response was received on 3 Oct 19.  In his response, the applicant contended AFPC/DPFDD conducted an inadequate review and insists his case be reviewed by SGHMC-WHMC Chief Cardiologist.  In support of his request, the applicant provided various military documents, articles and declassified information that demonstrates he worked with special mission units.  The applicant’s complete response is at Exhibit J.

FINDINGS AND CONCLUSION

After reviewing all Exhibits, the Board remains unconvinced the evidence presented demonstrates an error or injustice.  The Board concurs with the rationale and recommendation of AFPC/DPFDD and finds a preponderance of the evidence does not substantiate the applicant’s contentions.  The Board notes the applicant’s request for a review of his reconsideration by SGHMC/WHMC but after a thorough review of the evidence provided by the applicant, the applicant’s official military personnel record and the AFPC/DPFDD advisory opinion, the Board opines that there is sufficient evidence to base their decision and an additional advisory opinion is not warranted.  Therefore, the Board recommends against correcting the applicant’s records.

The applicant has not shown a personal appearance, with or without counsel, would materially add to the Board’s understanding of the issues involved.

RECOMMENDATION

The Board recommends informing the applicant the evidence did not demonstrate material error or injustice, and the Board will reconsider the application only upon receipt of relevant evidence not already presented.

CERTIFICATION

The following quorum of the Board, as defined in Air Force Instruction (AFI) 36-2603, Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records (AFBCMR), paragraph 1.5, considered Docket Number BC-1993-00290-2 in Executive Session on 20 Nov 19:

Panel Chair
Panel Member
Panel Member

All members voted against correcting the record.  The panel considered the following:

Exhibit F:	Record of Proceedings, w/ Exhibits A-E, dated 26 Apr 93.
Exhibit G:	Application, DD Form 149, w/atchs, dated 25 Feb 19.
Exhibit H:	Documentary evidence, including relevant excerpts from official records.
Exhibit I:	Advisory opinion, AFPC/DPFDD, dated 21 Aug 19. 
Exhibit J:	Notification of advisory, SAF/MRBC to applicant, dated 21 Aug 19.
Exhibit K:	Applicant’s response, not dated.

Taken together with all Exhibits, this document constitutes the true and complete Record of Proceedings, as required by AFI 36-2603, paragraph 4.11.9.