RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:				DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2004-01892
								INDEX CODE:  100.00
	XXXXXXX				COUNSEL:  NONE

	XXXXXXX					HEARING DESIRED:  YES

MANDATORY CASE COMPLETION DATE:  19 DEC 2005

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

She be reinstated on active duty in order to undergo a Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) for sarcoidosis.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

Five days after her separation, a Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) disability physical revealed an abnormality in her chest.

Her final physical examination was rushed/incomplete, x-ray requests were denied, and her health complaints were not taken seriously for a year and a half.

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

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

Applicant was commissioned a first lieutenant Air Force Reserve and served as a Reserve Chaplain at XXXXXXXXX AFB from 2 February 1990 to 11 December 1995.  She was progressively promoted to the grade of captain.  She entered active duty on 12 December 1995 and served as an Air Force Chaplain.  She underwent a separation medical examination on 29 January 2004, complained of fatigue, and was not referred for further evaluation.  She was released from active duty on 31 January 2004 due to non-selection for promotion to the grade of major.  She completed 8 years, 1 month, and 19 days of active service.  Her Officer Performance Reports (OPRs) rendered during the period 1991 through 2003 indicate she met standards on all performance factors.

X-rays taken during her 5 February 2004 DVA disability evaluation showed a possible abnormality in her chest and regular chest x-rays were recommended.  She underwent arthroscopy with arthroscopic subacromial decompression and rotator cuff partial thickness tear debridement on 21 July 2004, at the 10th Medical Group, USAF Academy.  On 23 August 2004, the DVA awarded her a total combined compensable service-connected disability rating of 60% from 1 February 2004 to 20 July 2004, 100% from 21 July 2004 to 30 September 2004, and 60% from 1 October 2004 to the present, for bipolar disorder (claimed as major depression) – 30%; degenerative joint disease, cervical spine – 20%; and degenerative joint disease, left and right shoulder – 10%.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The BCMR Medical Consultant is of the opinion that no change in the records is warranted and states, in part, that applicant had numerous chronic medical problems while on active duty that did not prevent her from satisfactorily performing her duties, as evidenced by her Officer Performance Reports (OPRs) which document her outstanding performance.  Within days after her separation, she was noted to have enlarged lymph nodes in the chest during her DVA medical examination felt most consistent with sarcoidosis.  Sarcoidosis is a disease of unknown etiology characterized by the formation of microscopic inflammatory nodules called granulomas that can affect a wide variety of organs in the body but typically involves the lymph nodes in the chest in most but not all cases.  While the applicant contends her sarcoidosis was causing her fatigue, she had numerous other reasons for fatigue and sarcoidosis limited to the chest lymph nodes is asymptomatic in most individuals.  The mere presence of sarcoidosis does not automatically require an MEB or a medical discharge.  Sarcoidosis is considered potentially disqualifying for continued military service if it is progressive with severe or multiple organ involvement and not responsive to therapy.  There is no evidence she was symptomatic from sarcoidosis and no evidence the condition involved any other organ system other than her chest lymph nodes.  Further, available post-service medical records do not show evidence of a multi-system disease or evidence of skin, eye, or neurologic disease that could be attributed to sarcoidosis.  Active duty members who develop medical problems during the final 12 months of their active duty period with a scheduled separation are presumed fit for continued active duty unless there is clear and convincing evidence to the contrary.  In the applicant’s case, she was entitled to, and received, transitional health care coverage under Tri-Care following her separation including orthopedic surgery, pulmonary specialty care, radiographic imaging, and heart imaging.  The action and disposition in the case are proper and at the time of her separation, her condition did not warrant medical hold for diagnosis and treatment or for evaluation in the disability evaluation system.

The BCMR Medical Consultant evaluation is at Exhibit C.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

A complete copy of the evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 15 July 2005 for review and comment, within 30 days.  However, 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; however, 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.  Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no compelling basis to recommend granting the relief sought in this application.

4.  The applicant's case is adequately documented and it has not been shown that a personal appearance with or without counsel will materially add to our understanding of the issues involved.  Therefore, the request for a hearing is not favorably considered.

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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-2004-01892 in Executive Session on 30 August 2005, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

    Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 9 Jun 04, w/atchs.
    Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
    Exhibit C.  Letter, BCMR Medical Consultant, dated 30 Jun 05.
    Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 15 Jul 05.