RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2011-04343 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: NO ________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: His official military records be corrected by having his Fitness Assessment (FA), dated 30 Sep 11, declared void and removed. ________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: He sustained a lower back injury in Sep 11, and then during the sit-up portion of his FA on 30 Sep 11 he aggravated the injury. Therefore, he was unable to complete the minimum number of sit- ups required to pass the assessment. In support of his appeal, the applicant provides a supporting memorandum from a physician’s assistant, a memo from his headquarters squadron commander asking the assessment be removed, and his individual fitness history. The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A. ________________________________________________________________ STATEMENT OF FACTS: The relevant facts pertaining to this application, extracted from the applicant’s master personnel records, are described in the letter prepared by the Air Force office of responsibility which is included at Exhibit C. ________________________________________________________________ AIR FORCE EVALUATION: HQ AFPC/DPSIM recommends denial indicating there is no evidence of an error or injustice. AFI 36-2905, FITNESS PROGRAM, states: 1. Paragraph 2.3.2.: All members taking the FA must complete the Fitness Screening Questionnaire (FSQ). 2. Paragraph 2.3.2.1.: The FSQ should be completed no earlier than 30 calendar days, but NLT 7 days, prior to the FA to provide time for medical evaluation, when indicated. 3. Paragraph 2.3.2.2.: A medical provider must evaluate all members with health issues identified on the FSQ prior to the FA. The member completed the FSQ prior to his FA and did not identify his medical conditions on the FSQ. The member tested on all four components of the FA. The member did not meet the minimum requirement for the sit-up component of the FA. Although the applicant’s diagnosis has been confirmed, no physician has indicated that this injury in fact contributed to his inability to pass the FA. A complete copy of the AFPC/DPSIM at Exhibit C. ________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION: A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 16 Dec 11 for review and comment within 30 days. As of this date, no response has been received by this office (Exhibit D). ________________________________________________________________ THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT: 1. The applicant has exhausted all remedies provided by existing law or regulations. 2. The application was timely filed. 3. Sufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of an injustice. The applicant contends he aggravated his back injury during the sit-up portion of his fitness assessment (FA) and should therefore have his FA declared void and removed from his Air Force Fitness Management System (AFFMS) records. After a thorough review of the evidence of record and the applicant’s submission, we believe a preponderance of the evidence supports corrective action. We note the comments from AFPC/DPSIM stating that no physician has indicated that the member’s injury contributed to his inability to pass the FA; however, we believe the supporting statement from the Physician’s Assistant indicating the applicant had been treated for low back strain prior to the date of his FA, and that the aggravation of said injury prevented him from completing the assessment, provides a sufficient basis to recommend relief be granted. Therefore, we believe the applicant’s records should be corrected to the extent indicated below. ________________________________________________________________ THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT: The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to the APPLICANT be corrected to show that his 30 Sep 11 Fitness Assessment (FA) be declared void and removed from the Air Force Fitness Management System (AFFMS). ________________________________________________________________ The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2011-04343 in Executive Session on 15 May 12, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603: All members voted to correct the records as recommended. The following documentary evidence was considered: Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 13 Oct 11, w/atchs. Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records. Exhibit C. Letter, AFPC/DPSIM, dated 6 Dec 11. Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 16 Dec 11.