RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:				DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2002-02622
INDEX CODE:  112.10
	XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX			COUNSEL: NONE

	XXXXXXXXXXXXXX				HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: 

His reenlistment eligibility (RE) code be changed from 4K (medically disqualified for continued service; or pending evaluation by MEB/PEB) to 1J (eligible to reenlist but elected to separate).
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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He was not forced to separate; rather he elected to separate because his extension had run out.  Separations told him that his separation code should be 1J.

In support of his application, the applicant provides a personal statement; his DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty; his Medical Evaluation Board (MEB)/Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) notification of results; and his Physical Profile Serial Report.  The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

On 22 April 1993, the applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force at the age of 21 in the grade of airman basic (E-1) for a period of four years.  He was progressively promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant (E-5) effective 1 January 2000.  The applicant was trained in the Health Services Management career field.  He received eight Enlisted Performance Reports (EPRs) during his military service.  His overall ratings for his EPRs closing 1994 through 2000 were 4, 4, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5 and 5 respectively.  His awards and decorations included the Air Force Achievement Medal with one device, Air Force Longevity Service Award with one device, Air Force Training Ribbon, Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, NCO Professional Military Education Ribbon, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, and Air Force Good Conduct Medal with one device. 

In November 2000, two months prior to his planned separation from the military, the applicant was hospitalized with irregular heart rhythm characterized by a very slow heartbeat. He had a prior history of an irregular heart beat in September 1997.  The applicant was placed on medical hold pending completion of treatment and a medical evaluation board.  The applicant’s condition was diagnosed as sick sinus syndrome and was effectively treated with a combination of a pacemaker and medication.  The applicant underwent a Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) and a Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) in the spring of 2001.  The PEB returned him to duty with a “Code C” limitation (prevents assignments to remote locations).  The applicant continued with his separation plans.  The applicant was honorably discharged effective 14 July 2001 with a separation code KBK (completion of required active service) and a reentry code of 4K (medically disqualified for continued service; or pending evaluation by MEB/PEB).  He had served 8 years, 2 months and 14 days on active duty.

While on active duty the applicant had intermittent gastrointestinal distress diagnosed as gastritis (inflammation of the stomach) and gastroparesis (poor movement of the stomach muscle) of unclear etiology.  Reevaluation by Gastroenterology in December 2000 and February 2001, documented inflammation of the stomach with changes suspected to be due to either drug associated gastritis or possibly Crohn’s disease.  Results from a colonoscopy were unremarkable.  However, a specific antibody test was suggestive of the diagnosis.  Based on suspicion of inflammatory bowel disease, the applicant was treated with prednisone at the time of his 26 February 2001 MEB narrative summary.  The gastroenterologist’s final diagnosis is not evident in the applicant’s service medical records; however, the gastroenterology narrative summary indicates a diagnosis of gastritis of unknown etiology and that the applicant was worldwide qualified at the time of dictation.  Following his discharge, the applicant was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. 

The applicant is now receiving disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) at 10% for sick sinus syndrome and 30% for Crohn’s disease, for a combined compensable rating of 40%. 

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPPAE recommends denial.  The applicant is not eligible for reenlistment once he separated, therefore the RE code of 4K is correct.  The DPPAE evaluation is at Exhibit C.

The BCMR Medical Consultant is of the opinion that no change in the applicant’s record is warranted.  Action and disposition in the case were proper and equitable reflecting compliance with Air Force directives that implement the law.

The BCMR Medical Consultant notes that the applicant developed sick sinus syndrome while on active duty that was treated with placement of a pacemaker and medication within two months of his planned separation from the Air Force.  He was placed on medical hold pending completion of treatment and medical evaluation board.  The Physical Evaluation Board returned him to duty on a Code C limitation and he continued with his planned separation.  Had the applicant instead reenlisted prior to his diagnosis of sick sinus syndrome, he would have been retained on Code C limitation since he was otherwise able to perform his duties.  Once he had separated and returned to non-active status, his condition is disqualifying for reenlistment.  

It is the opinion of the BCMR Consultant that the applicant likely had Crohn’s disease for a few years prior to discharge that, due to its indolent and limited nature could not be definitely diagnosed.  It did not interfere with his ability to perform his duty nor result in the termination of his career.  Had the applicant reenlisted rather than opting to separate prior to diagnosis, it is likely he would have been medically discharged when the diagnosis became clear.  A condition of Crohn’s disease is disqualifying for reenlistment.  

Details of the BCMR Medical Consultant’s evaluation are at Exhibit D.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

Copies of the Air Force evaluations were forwarded to the applicant on 14 February 2003, for review and comment within 30 days (Exhibit E).  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 probable error or injustice.  The applicant made the choice to separate rather than reenlist.  Once he separated his condition was disqualifying for reenlistment.  It is our opinion that the action in this case was proper and equitable reflecting compliance with Air Force directives.  The applicant did not provide persuasive evidence showing the RE code, which was issued at the time of his separation, did not accurately reflects the circumstances of his separation.  In view of the foregoing, we conclude that no basis exists upon which to recommend favorable action on his request that it be changed.

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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 in Executive Session on 2 April 2003, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered in connection with AFBCMR Docket No. BC-2002-02622:

    Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 12 Aug 02, w/atchs.
    Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
    Exhibit C.  Letter, AFPC/DPPAE, dated 3 Feb 03.
    Exhibit D.  Letter, BCMR Medical Consultant, dated 29 Oct 02.
    Exhibit E.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 14 Feb 03.