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

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2004-00986
		INDEX CODE:  108.07
		COUNSEL:  NONE
		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

MANDATORY CASE COMPLETION DATE:  11 Aug 08

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

The service-connected medical condition, spinal disc condition, be assessed as combat related in order to qualify for compensation under the Combat Related Special Compensation (CRSC) Act.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

On 23 May 05, the Board considered and by a majority vote, recommended denial of a similar appeal.  The Secretary's designee accepted the recommendation of the Board majority and denied the request.  For an accounting of the facts and circumstances surrounding the appeal and the rationale of the earlier decision, see the Record of Proceedings at Exhibit G.  In this most recent submission, applicant contends that due to combat fatigue his back was injured after falling while exiting a combat aircraft.  In support of the request, applicant provided a personal statement and literature discussing the effects of combat fatigue.  The complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit H.

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THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT:

After again reviewing the evidence of record and the additional evidence provided by the applicant, it remains our opinion that the service-connected medical condition the applicant believes is combat-related does not meet the strict requirements to qualify for compensation under the CRSC Act.  Applicant contends his back condition qualifies for CRSC as incidental to a fall from a military aircraft.  Applicant further contends that combat fatigue after a 10-hour mission contributed to the fall.  However, under the qualifying criteria, CRSC approval must be based upon a definite, documented causal relationship between the combat-related factor and the resulting disability.  Notwithstanding the applicant's assertions, a thorough review of the available military records does not show any corroborative evidence which would support a combat-related determination.  In view of the above, we find no basis upon which to reverse the previous determination. 

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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-2004-00986 in Executive Session on 6 Apr 05, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

	Chair
	Member
	Member

The following documentary evidence was considered:

   Exhibit G.  Record of Proceedings, dated 23 May 05, w/Exhibits.
   Exhibit H.  Letter, Applicant, dated 12 Dec 06, w/atchs.