ADDENDUM TO RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2010-01445 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: NO ________________________________________________________________ _ APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: He be awarded the Purple Heart (PH) Medal for an injury he sustained in Iraq on 2 Sep 06. ________________________________________________________________ _ STATEMENT OF FACTS: A similar appeal was considered and denied by the Board on 1 Mar 11. For an accounting of the facts and circumstances surrounding the applicant’s request, and the rationale for the earlier decision by the Board, see the Record of Proceedings, with Exhibits, at Exhibit F. By virtue of a letter dated 12 Feb 12, with attachments, the applicant requests reconsideration of his request and provides copies of medical documentation related to his injury, an eyewitness statement, and documentation pertaining to the 2 Sep 06 rocket attack. His complete submission, with attachments is at Exhibit G. On 9 Jan 13, the Board considered and deferred the case for a review by the Purple Heart Review Board (PHRB) for a determination as to whether the additional medical documentation relating to the applicant’s injury meets the criteria for award of the PH. On 10 Jul 13, the PHRB denied the applicant’s request, noting that per the Purple Heart Medical Qualification Checklist, tinnitus regardless of the cause, does meet the criteria for award of the PH. Furthermore, the applicant’s follow up audiology appointment revealed his hearing was within normal limits with excellent word recognition and normal middle ear function. The PHRB further noted minor wounds that received the minimum level of treatment that a non-medical person could have provided do not meet the criteria for the PH. On 31 Jul 13, the Board staff forwarded the applicant copies of the USAFCENT Decorations Processing Unit notification, as well as some email traffic relative to his request for his review and comment (Exhibit H). As of this date, no response has been received by this office. ________________________________________________________________ _ THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT: After again reviewing the evidence of record, the applicant’s prior submission, the additional evidence provided in support of his appeal, and the PHRB decision, we are not persuaded to override the Board’s original decision. We find the available evidence insufficient to conclude the applicant is entitled to award of the Purple Heart (PH) Medal. While we are not unmindful or unappreciative of the applicant’s service to his Nation, in the absence of evidence substantiating the injury he sustained meets the criteria for award of the PH Medal, we find no basis to recommend granting the relief sought in this application. ________________________________________________________________ _ THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT: The applicant be notified the evidence presented did not demonstrate the existence of material error or injustice; the application was denied without a personal appearance; and 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-2010-01445 in Executive Session on 9 Jan 13 and 1 Sep 13, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603: Although chaired the panel, in view of her unavailability, has agreed to sign as Acting Panel Chair. The following documentary evidence was considered: Exhibit F. Record of Proceedings, dated 31 Mar 11, w/Exhibits. Exhibit G. Letter, Applicant, dated 17 Feb 12, w/atchs. Exhibit H. Letter, AFBCMR, dated 31 Jul 13, w/atchs.