RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2004-00237
		INDEX CODE:  108.01
		COUNSEL:  NONE
		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

MANDATORY CASE COMPLETION DATE:  2 AUG 06

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His possible right shoulder injury resulting from parasailing training while attending Undergraduate Navigator Training, be added to his medical records.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He injured his right shoulder during Undergraduate Navigator Training.  In the spring of 1967, he was dragged by a parachute until he was able to unfasten the harness on his right chest.  He was asked by the instructor if he was okay.  He declined medical assistance because he did not want to be grounded.  He had a stiff shoulder and minor scratches and wore a sling until the discomfort subsided.  The Department of Veterans Affairs has determined that he has severe arthritis.

In support of his request, applicant provided a witness statement and a statement from is physician.  His complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

Applicant was appointed a second lieutenant, Reserve of the Air Force on 3 Jun 66 and was voluntarily ordered to extended active duty on 23 Oct 66.  He served as an air operations officer/navigator/weapons systems officer.  He separated from active duty on 7 Mar 79 and entered the Air Force Reserves.  He was progressively promoted to the Reserve grade of colonel, having assumed that grade effective and with at date of rank of 1 Apr 93.  His name was placed on the Reserve Retired List on 18 Oct 04.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The BCMR Medical Consultant recommends denial.  The Medical Consultant states, his service medical records do not show he sought care for a shoulder injury or shoulder pain and there are no references to a shoulder injury during periodic medical examinations or other indirect evidence to suggest such an injury occurred during service.  Medical documentary evidence the applicant seeks does not exist and should not be recreated based only on recollection thirty-six years later.  The Medical Consultant’s evaluation is at Exhibit D.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

Applicant states the reason he requested correction of his record is because there had been no record of his injury during parasail training.  He did not visit the infirmary at the time for risk of being grounded.  He provided a statement from the only person he could remember from the training and he submitted an affidavit confirming the wind-pulling parachute event but could not definitely remember that it was him involved in the incident.  He feels he should be given the benefit of the doubt since he was dragged before he could unfasten the harness and his friend could remember the incident.  

His complete response, with attachment, is at Exhibit F.

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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 error or injustice.  We took notice of the applicant's complete submission in judging the merits of the case; however, we are not persuaded by his assertions that corrective action is warranted in this case.  We agree with the opinion and recommendation of the BCMR Medical Consultant and adopt his rationale as the basis for our conclusion that the applicant has not been the victim of an error or injustice.  In the absence of persuasive 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 AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2004-00237 in Executive Session on 9 Jun 05, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

    Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 22 Jan 04, w/atchs.
    Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
    Exhibit C.  Letter, SAF/MRBC, dated 19 May 04.
    Exhibit D.  Letter, BCMR Medical Consultant, dated 1 Mar 05.
    Exhibit E.  Letter, SAF/MRBC, dated 31 Mar 05.
    Exhibit F.  Letter, Applicant, dated 24 Mar 05, w/atch.

                                   Panel Chair