RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER: 02-02563

	 	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 August 2000 through April 2001, and SGLI premiums paid since April 2002 (sic). 

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

His records were never corrected to reflect that he declined SGLI coverage.

The applicant states that he signed up for $100,000 SGLI coverage, and was charged for the maximum coverage from August 2000 through April 2001.  In addition, he was charged premiums after 1 April 2002 (sic), despite the fact that he declined coverage.

In support of the appeal, the applicant submits copies of his Leave and Earnings Statements (LESs).

The applicant’s complete submission is at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

On 4 August 2000, the applicant elected SGLI coverage in the amount of $100,000.

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 29 April 2002, the applicant completed an SGLV 8286, electing to decline SGLI coverage.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPW recommends the Board take no action on reimbursing the applicant for the period 1 September 2000 through 31 March 2001, this has been administratively resolved through DFAS.  They recommend denial of his request for reimbursement for premiums paid during the period 1 April 2001 through 30 April 2002.  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:

A complete copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 20 September 2002, for review and response.  As of this date, this office has received no response. 

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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 for the period 1 April 2001 through 30 April 2002.  Therefore, we find no basis to recommend granting the relief sought in this application. 

4.  The Air Force has advised that reimbursement for premiums covering the period 1 September 2000 through 31 March 2001, has been administratively resolved through DFAS.  Therefore, no action is required by this Board with respect to this portion of the applicant’s request.

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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 02-02563 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 6 Aug 02, w/atchs.
  	Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
  	Exhibit C.  Letter, AFPC/DPW, dated 17 Sep 02, w/atchs.
  	Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 20 Sep 02.