RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  01-03466
		INDEX CODE:137.00

	APPLICANT	COUNSEL:  None

	SSN	HEARING DESIRED:  No

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

He be allowed to change his Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan (RCSBP) coverage from Option A to Option C.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He never received the notification letter and his coverage was automatically implemented as Option A (Exhibit A).

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The relevant facts pertaining to this application, extracted from the applicant's military records, are contained in the letter prepared by the appropriate office of the Air Force.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

ARPC/DPS states the applicant was notified of his eligibility to participate in the RCSBP in Sep 97.  His election package was mailed to him by certified mail and was signed for by his wife on 15 Sep 97.  There was no evidence that the applicant made an election at that time.  The applicant was automatically enrolled in Option A, Deferred election until age 60 at the end of the 90-day suspense.  The applicant  was  notified  of the 1 Mar 99 to 28 Feb 00 open enrollment for RCSBP.  The notification was mailed to his home address from the master listing maintained by HQ ARPC.  The applicant has had several opportunities to elect RCSBP but failed to do so.  The applicant will have another opportunity to elect RCSBP when he reaches 60.  Therefore, based on the evidence provided they recommend denying the applicant’s request.

A complete copy of the evaluation is attached at Exhibit B.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

A complete copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 15 February 2002, for review and response.  As of this date, no response has been received by this office (Exhibit C).

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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 not timely filed; however, it is in the interest of justice to excuse the failure to timely file.

3.	Insufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of probable error or injustice.  We took notice of the applicant's complete submission in judging the merits of the case; however, we agree with the opinion and recommendation of the Air Force and adopt their rationale as the basis for our conclusion that the applicant has not been the victim of an error or injustice.  The applicant contends that he was never notified that if he did not elect RCSBP coverage within the required timeframe that his coverage would be automatically enrolled under Option A.  The applicant was notified by certified mail in Sep 97, of his eligibility to participate in RCSBP.  His wife signed for the notification package.  He did not elect coverage at that time.  The applicant had another opportunity to elect RCSBP coverage during an authorized open season enrollment, but failed to do so.  The applicant was notified on two occasions of his eligibility to enroll in RCSBP but did not elect coverage either time.  Therefore, in the absence of substantial evidence to the contrary, 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 probable 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 AFBCMR Docket Number 01-03466 in Executive Session on 23 April 2002, under the provisions of AFI 36‑2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit A.	DD Form 149, dated 27 Nov 01.
	Exhibit B.	Letter, HQ ARPC/DPS, dated 1 Feb 02, w/atchs.
	Exhibit C.	Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 15 Feb 02.