RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER: 02-01908

	 	COUNSEL:  NONE

	 	HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

He be reimbursed for the Servicemember’s Group Life Insurance (SGLI) premiums paid during the period from 1 April 2001 through 30 November 2001. 

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He declined SGLI coverage in November 1998; however, he recently learned that it was reinstated in April 2001.  He never recalls being notified of the automatic SGLI coverage.

The applicant’s complete submission is at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

On 12 November 1998, the applicant completed an SGLV-8286, electing to decline SGLI coverage.

Effective 1 April 2001, Public Law 106-419, automatically increased the level of SGLI coverage to $250,000 for all military members, until the members could elect reduced coverage or no coverage, regardless of any prior election.  

On 5 December 2001, the applicant completed an SGLV 8286, electing to decline SGLI coverage.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPW recommends denial of the application.  AFPC/DPW states that, in their opinion, the applicant’s base of assignment took adequate steps as directed to inform all members of the increase in SGLI coverage and that the applicant had adequate time during the month of April 2001 to make a new election.

The AFPC/DPW evaluation, with attachments, is at Exhibit C.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The applicant states, in part, that Kirtland AFB leadership did not advise that if you had previously declined SGLI coverage that it would automatically be restarted and the member would have to again decline coverage.  Had he known of the change and his requirement to make an election by 1 April 2001, he would have done so.

The applicant’s complete submission is at Exhibit E.

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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.  No evidence has been submitted showing that the applicant declined coverage during the month of April 2001.  We therefore agree with the opinion and recommendation of the Air Force office of primary responsibility and adopt their rationale as the basis for our conclusion that no basis exists to reimburse the premiums withheld.  Therefore, we find no 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 Docket Number 02-01908 in Executive Session on 12 December 2002, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

   	Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 15 Jun 02, w/atchs.
  	Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
  	Exhibit C.  Letter, AFPC/DPW, dated 16 Sep 02, w/atchs.
  	Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 20 Sep 02.
	Exhibit E.  Letter, Applicant, dated 8 Oct 02, w/atchs.

                                  Panel Chair