RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2010-00877 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: NO _________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: His narrative reason for separation of erroneous entry be changed to early release. _________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: He joined the Air Force to become a pilot; however, he had a preexisting medical condition in his right ear. His recruiter told him he would need to have corrective surgery prior to applying to enter the military. At his own expense, he had surgery and was medically cleared by his personal physician. On 22 Jan 08, he joined the Air Force and shortly thereafter he began having problems with his right ear. After further examination, it was revealed he had a small perforation of the posterior inferior right ear. He spent the next several months going to appointments only to learn his condition was a disqualifying condition. He had to make a decision to continue as a security forces specialist (that meant training with weapons, exposure to loud noise and acoustic trauma of the M-240 machine gun fire, and grenade explosions) or separate from the Air Force. It was a difficult decision to make, but he decided to separate from the service. The Veteran Affairs (VA) service connected his disability as a result of or aggravated by the military. His enlistment was not erroneous and should be changed to early release. In support of his request, the applicant provides a personal statement and extracts of his medical records. His complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A. _________________________________________________________________ STATEMENT OF FACTS: The applicant entered the Regular Air Force on 22 Jan 08 and was progressively promoted to the grade of airman first class (E-3), having assumed that grade effective and with a date of rank of 7 Mar 08. The applicant’s commander recommended him for discharge under AFI 36-3208, Chapter 5, paragraph 5.14, Erroneous Entry, for a medical condition that adversely impacted his training and prevented him from successfully completing the requirements of technical training. The applicant acknowledged receipt of the discharge notification and was advised of his right to consult with legal counsel and submit statements in his own behalf. The base legal office found the case legally sufficient and the discharge authority directed he be discharged with an honorable discharge. He served 7 months and 18 days on active duty. _________________________________________________________________ AIR FORCE EVALUATION: AETC/SGPS recommends denial. SGPS notes the applicant was offered elective surgery to correct the perforation, but declined. He also declined review for a medical waiver and elected to separate from the Air Force. SGPS states the applicant’s discharge was within Air Force policy and administrative guidelines. The AETC/SGPS complete evaluation is at Exhibit C. AFPC/DPSOS recommends denial. DPSOS concurs with the AETC/SGPS findings that the applicant’s condition appeared to be repaired; however, during basic training the symptoms reoccurred and the applicant sought treatment. It was later determined his condition was permanently aggravated by training beyond the normal progression of the ailment. The applicant’s discharge was within the discretion of the discharge authority. DPSOS states the applicant has not presented any evidence or identified any error or injustice that occurred during the discharge process nor did he provide any facts warranting a change to his narrative reason for separation. The AFPC/DPSOS complete evaluation is at Exhibit D. _________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION: Copies of the Air Force evaluations were forwarded to the applicant on 14 Jan 11 for review and comment within 30 days. As of this date, this office has received no response. _________________________________________________________________ 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 opinions and recommendations of the Air Force offices of primary responsibility and adopt their 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 basis to recommend granting the relief sought in this application. _________________________________________________________________ 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. _________________________________________________________________ The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2010-00877 in Executive Session on 23 Feb 11, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603: The following documentary evidence was considered: Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 1 Mar 10, w/atchs. Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records. Exhibit C. Letter, HQ AETC/SGPS, dated 7 Jun 10. Exhibit D. Letter, AFPC/DPSOS, dated 26 Nov 10. Exhibit E. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 14 Jan 11.