RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2004-01358
		INDEX CODE:  110.00

		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

Her uncharacterized separation be changed to an honorable separation.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

She passed her physical at MEPS.  MEPS didn’t find anything wrong with her feet.  She experienced some problems physically while in basic training.  She was put on medical hold on 15 September 2003 and diagnosed with grade three stress fractures in the right tibia of her right leg and shin splints and stress changes in her left leg.  The doctor put her on crutches.  She was on medical hold for about 4 months and 18 days.  In October, the physician recommended her for convalescent leave and her commander approved her for convalescent leave from 10 October to 8 November so the stress fractures in her legs would heal.  When she came back from convalescent leave she was placed in the Get Fit Program to get fit to go back to training and she started experiencing pain in her left leg.  She could not go back to training.  She stayed on medical hold until her left leg healed.  She also started experiencing pain or burning in the arches of her feet while standing or walking especially for long periods of time with or without the arch support in her feet.  The podiatrist told her that she had a pulled tendon in the arch of her left foot and that the alignment was off in both her legs and feet.  The physician diagnosed her with pes planus or flat feet.  He recommended she be discharged because of her condition and the fact that it was giving her problems.  The physician also told her that it is possible for stress fractures to come back from running.  She believes her arches had fallen because of the running and some physical activity in basic training.

In support of the appeal, applicant submits a personal statement, her report of medical history (copies of her medical paperwork when she took her physical exam at MEPS before she was enlisted), the chronological record of medical care document, her convalescent leave documents, the record of comments she received when she was on medical hold, a copy of her DD Form 214, and a copy of her separation orders.

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

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

Applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force on 12 August 2003 for a period of four (4) years.

On 10 November 2003 she was entered into a low impact physical training program designed to gradually increase her fitness level so that she could complete the physical fitness requirements.  Recurrent pain prompted removal from all physical conditioning activities on 10 December 2003 due to persistent leg and bilateral foot pain.  Podiatry evaluation on 9 January 2004 diagnosed bilateral flat feet (pes planus) and bilateral plantar fasciitis (inflammation of the fibrous band of ligamentous tissue on the bottoms of the feet caused by flat feet and running).  On gait analysis, the podiatrist noted abnormal motion including late mid-stance pronation (internal rotation of the foot) and inward twisting.  On follow up in the Trainee Clinic on 22 January 2004, the applicant continued to report pain when standing and stairs despite no physical training since 10 December 2003 and entry level separation was initiated.  The applicant waived her rights to counsel and to submit statements.  The recommendation for her separation was approved on 27 January 2004.

Applicant was separated from the Air Force on 29 January 2004 under the provisions of AFI 36-3208, Failed Medical/Physical Procurement Standards, with an uncharacterized entry-level separation.  She served 5 months and 18 days on active duty.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The BCMR Medical Consultant states the applicant was administratively discharged with an entry level separation for failing to meet medical/physical procurement standards due to pes planus that existed prior to service and associated leg pain related to tibial stress fracture and foot pain due to plantar fasciitis.

Pes planus is a developmental condition that predisposed to overuse syndromes that occur with vigorous activity, in particular running, including tendonitis, plantar fascfiitis, shin splints, tibial stress fractures and anterior knee pain due to patello-femoral syndrome.  In particular, the excessive pronation and attendant abnormalities in alignment seen in pes planus is the biomechanical abnormality associated with these overuse syndromes.  The applicant contends that since her flat feet were not noted on her enlistment exam, it was acquired during basic training.  Pes planus is a common developmental condition that may or may not result in secondary overuse syndromes noted above.  A flat foot deformity can be acquired in a previously normal foot as a result of severe trauma or destructive chronic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis that produce a complete rupture of the posterior tibial tendon, or a severe peripheral neuropathy.  These would have been apparent and reported as such by the examining podiatrist.  The preponderance of the evidence clearly supports a conclusion that the applicant’s pes planus is developmental and not acquired in nature.  Tibial stress fractures in normal individuals heal with cessation of the inciting activity.

Airmen are in entry-level status during the first 180 days of continuous active military service and if administratively separated during this period receive an entry-level separation.  This discharge does not attempt to characterize the type of service as either good or bad.  An honorable characterization may be given by the Secretary of the Air Force when it is clearly warranted by unusual circumstances of personal conduct and performance of military duty.

Action and disposition in this case are proper and equitable reflecting compliance with Air Force directives that implement the law.  The BCMR Medical Consultant is of the opinion that no change in the records is warranted.

A complete copy of the evaluation is attached at Exhibit C.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

On 4 January 2005, a copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant for review and response within 30 days.  As of this date, no response has been received by this office.

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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 error or injustice.  We took notice of the applicant's complete submission in judging the merits of the case.  We note airmen are in entry-level status during the first 180 days of continuous active military service and if administratively separated during this period receive an entry-level separation.  Therefore, we agree with the opinion and recommendation of the BCMR Medical Consultant and adopt his rationale as the basis for the conclusion that no change in the records is warranted.  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 this application in Executive Session on 9 February 2005, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit A.	DD Form 149, dated 2 May 04, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.	Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.	Letter, BCMR Medical Consultant, dated 20 Dec 04.
	Exhibit D.	Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 4 Jan 05.