RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2003-03092
		INDEX CODE:  110.02
	 	COUNSEL: NONE 

	 	HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

Her reenlistment eligibility (RE) code be changed so that she may enlist in the Navy.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

She was misdiagnosed with having achilles tendonitis and separated from the Air Force.  She has no medical problems.

In support of her request, the applicant provided a copy of AF Form 618, Medical Board Report, a copy of her DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, a copy of a Medical Report Narrative Summary, and a copy of DD Form 293, Application for the Review of Discharge or Dismissal from the Armed Forces of the United States.

Applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force as an airman basic on 31 January 1996, for a term of 4 years.  On 13 March 1996, the applicant was notified by her commander that he was recommending that she be discharged from the Air Force due to failed medical/physical procurement standards.  The basis for the action was on 7 March 1996, a medical evaluation board found she did not meet minimum medical standards to join the Air Force.

She was advised of her rights in this matter.  She waived her right to consult counsel, and elected not to submit statements on her own behalf.  The base legal office reviewed the case and found it legally sufficient.  The discharge authority approved the discharge of erroneous entry and ordered an uncharacterized entry-level separation.  On 18 March 1996, she was administratively discharged with an uncharacterized entry-level separation, under the provisions of AFI 36-3208, Administrative Separation of Airman, (Failed Medical/Physical Procurement Standards).  She received an RE code of 4C (Separated for concealment of juvenile records, minority, failure to meet physical standards for enlistment, failure to attain a 9.0 reading grade level as measured by the Air Force Reading Abilities Test (AFRAT), or void enlistments.  She served 1 month and 18 days total active service.

Pursuant to the Board’s request, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Clarksburg, WV, indicated on 11 March 2004, that, on the basis of data furnished, they are unable to locate an arrest record.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The BCMR Medical Consultant recommends denial.  The applicant developed disabling pain of both Achilles tendons (left greater than right) associated with pre-existing flat feet, wearing of military combat boots, and the physical demands of training after less than one week of training.  The applicant also presented to the clinic with right knee pain when walking and marching during the first week of training diagnosed as patellofemoeral pain syndrome, a condition aggravated by flat feet.  The applicant experienced persistent Achilles tendon pain despite appropriate therapy and was unable to participate in any training after the first week.  Although it was likely that she was not physically conditioned prior to beginning basic training, the rapid onset, refractory nature, inability to wear military boots and the presence of predisposing flat feet indicate that this problem is likely to recur under similar circumstances routinely encountered in military service.  In addition, the knee condition, although overshadowed by the Achilles tendon problem, is also likely to recur and produce duty-limiting symptoms similar to those she experienced during basic training.  He believes she is not physically or medically qualified for reentry.

Action and disposition in this case are proper and equitable reflecting compliance with Air Force directives that implement the law.  Therefore, no change in the records is warranted.

The BCMR Medical Consultant’s evaluation is at Exhibit C.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 4 Feb 04, for review and comment within 30 days.  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 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 an error or injustice to warrant changing the applicant’s reenlistment eligibility (RE) code.  We took notice of the applicant’s complete submission in judging the merits of the case, however; we agree with the opinions and recommendations of the Air Force office of primary responsibility and adopt their rationale as the basis for our conclusion that the applicant has not been the victim of an error or injustice.  Therefore, in the absence of 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 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 BC-2003-03092 in Executive Session on 27 April 2004, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit A.	DD Form 149, dated 22 Sep 03, w/atch.
	Exhibit B.	Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.	Letter, BCMR Medical Consultant, dated 23 Jan 04.
	Exhibit D.	Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 20 Feb 04.