RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  01-02344
		INDEX NUMBER:  128.10
		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

He be reimbursed for the Service members’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) premiums deducted from his pay.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He was charged $20 per month for four months for an SGLI policy that he wasn’t aware of.  He was on a temporary duty (TDY) from 23 Mar 01 – 11 Jun 01 and had not received a Leave and Earnings Statement (LES) since mid-March.  He states he declined SGLI over three and a half years ago and believes the charges are unjust and should be refunded.  He states that without signing any papers, he was paying on a life insurance policy without a beneficiary. 

In support of his appeal, applicant provided a copy of his TDY orders and his LESS showing the erroneous charges.

Applicant’s complete submission is at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

On 1 November 2000, Public Law 106-419, Section 312, enacted by President Clinton, raised the amount of coverage under the SGLI from $200,000 to $250,000.  Under this provision, every eligible member was automatically covered, regardless of any prior election.  The provision also stated that within the month of April 2001, any eligible member could elect to withdraw or reduce their coverage without being charged $20 per month for the maximum coverage of $250,000.  Members who failed to complete a new SGLV 8286 during the month of April 01 to elect a lower amount of coverage or “no coverage” were automatically covered for $250,000 in accordance with this provision (Exhibit B).

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

HQ AFPC/DPW reviewed this application and recommended denial.  In their view, the evidence provided by the applicant was insufficient to support his claim.  On 28 September 2001, additional documentation was requested, but the applicant did not respond.

A complete copy of the evaluation is at Exhibit B.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

Applicant states that he has never elected coverage, so he could not respond to HQ AFPC’s inquiry.  He contends that since he did not request a policy in writing, yet was charged $20 a month for four months for such a policy, he believes he is entitled to $80.

His complete response is at Exhibit D.

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THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT:

1.  The applicant has exhausted all remedies provided by existing law or regulations.

2.  The application was timely filed.

3.  Insufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of error or injustice.  Public Law 106‑419, Section 312, effective 1 April 2001, automatically increased the level of SGLI coverage to $250,000 for all eligible military members, regardless of any prior election.  Members who had elected no coverage or less than $250,000 coverage prior to 1 April 2001, could avoid the higher premiums provided they completed a new election form in April 2001.  After careful consideration of the evidence provided by the applicant, we are not persuaded that he has been the victim of an error or injustice.  Therefore, we find no compelling basis to recommend granting the relief sought in this application.

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THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT:

The applicant be notified that the evidence presented did not demonstrate the existence of material error or injustice; that the application was denied without a personal appearance; and that the application will only be reconsidered upon the submission of newly discovered relevant evidence not considered with this application.

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The following members of the Board considered this application AFBCMR Docket Number 01-02344 in Executive Session on 24 July 2002, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

Panel Chair
Member
Member

The following documentary evidence was considered:

    Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 8 Aug 01, w/atchs.
    Exhibit B.  Letter, HQ AFPC/DPW, dated 18 Dec 01, w/atch.
    Exhibit C.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 4 Jan 02, w/atchs.
    Exhibit D.  Letter, Applicant, dated 22 Jan 02.