RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2005-00294
		INDEX CODE:  

		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

MANDATORY CASE COMPLETION DATE:  28 July 2006

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His records be corrected to reflect severe combat related hearing loss.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

Combat related hearing loss should qualify a person for the Purple Heart (PH).  Hearing loss is a combat wound.  The hearing loss was a direct result of a rough combat mission.

In support of the appeal, applicant submits a copy of his WD AGO Form 53-55 and a character reference.

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

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

Applicant enlisted in the Army Air Force on 25 June 1942 and entered active duty on 16 January 1943.  He performed duties as an Airplane Mechanic Gunner.  His highest grade held was staff sergeant.

On 15 September 1945, while serving in the grade of staff sergeant, he was honorably discharged, for the convenience of the government (Demobilization).  He was credited with 2 years and 6 days of continental service and 7 months and 24 days of foreign service.  His separation document shows the following:  He participated in the GO 33 WD 45 Air Offensive Europe,  Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland and Ardennes battles and campaigns.  His separation document also shows he was entitled to the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with three Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, and Good Conduct Medal.  It further states in Item 34, Wounds Received in Action:  “None.”

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The BCMR Medical Consultant states that at the time of separation the applicant’s hearing was normal.  There is no basis for changing service medical records from 1945 to show his hearing was abnormal at that time.  Determination of service connection for DVA benefits for medical problems that develop following separation is made by the Department of Veterans Affairs under Title 38 and not the military services or their respective boards for correction of military records.  Award of the Purple Heart Medal requires documentary evidence for service records including medical to show an injury directly caused by enemy action.  The reviewer finds no evidence, direct or indirect to support award of the Purple Heart.  Performance of duties in a combat zone or participation in combat does not qualify a member, who, years later develops hearing loss for award of this medal.  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 at Exhibit C.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

On 10 March 2006, 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 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 agree with the opinion and recommendation of the BCMR Medical Consultant and adopt his rationale as the basis for the 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 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-2005-00294 in Executive Session on 27 April 2006, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

					 , Panel Chair
					 , Member
					 , Member

The following documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit A.	DD Form 149, dated 27 Dec 04, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.	Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.	Letter, BCMR Medical Consultant, dated 8 Mar 06.
	Exhibit D.	Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 10 Mar 06.

	
					Panel Chair