ADDENDUM TO
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2003-01997
		INDEX CODE:  107.00
		COUNSEL:  NONE
		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

In the applicant's appeal for reconsideration, he requests award of the Purple Heart (PH) medal for injuries he sustained in both ears.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

A similar appeal was considered and denied by the Board on 21 Apr 04.  For an accounting of the facts and circumstances surrounding his request, and the rationale for the earlier decision by the Board, see the Record of Proceedings, with attachments, at Exhibit F.

In his request for reconsideration, the applicant states that the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) has found information in his military records regarding the injuries to his ears and awarded him compensation back to the day of his discharge.  His complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit G.  

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THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT:

After again reviewing the evidence of record, the applicant’s prior submissions, and the additional evidence provided in support of his appeal, we are not persuaded the applicant’s records should be corrected to show he was awarded the PH.  The applicant has not provided any evidence and we are not persuaded by his assertions that he was treated for wounds received as a direct result of enemy action, as required for award of the PH.  We took note of evidence found by the DVA indicating he was assigned to a unit that suffered a rocket attack while he was in Vietnam and note as well the DVA's concession this his medical condition is the result of acoustic trauma.  However, we are not bound by the DVA's concession in this matter and do not find their determination substantial enough to convince us that his injury satisfies the criteria for award of the PH.  Therefore, in the absence of persuasive evidence that the applicant sustained 
an injury meeting the criteria for award for the PH, we find no compelling basis to recommend granting the relief sought.

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The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2003-01997 in Executive Session on 16 May 08, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit F.	Record of Proceedings, dated 11 May 07, w/atchs.
	Exhibit G.	DD Form 149, dated 3 Jan 08, w/atchs.