RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2012-04056 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: NO ________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: The cardio component of the Fitness Assessment (FA), dated 31 October 2011, be declared exempt, or in the alternative, the entire FA be removed from the Air Force Fitness Management System (AFFMS). ________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: He had an existing/undiagnosed medical condition that precluded him from successfully completing the contested FA. During the contested FA, he had to stop running and walk several times. He could not catch his breath during the cardio portion of the FA. As a result, he failed the assessment. He was sent to his primary care manager for a medical evaluation which included a stress test. During the last portion of the evaluation, the doctor noted abnormality with his heart while trying to recover from exercise. The abnormality prompted heart catherization surgery. It was noted that he had Intra Myocardial Bridge and he was placed on Isobide, Norvasc and Micardis to open his arteries for better blood flow. The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A. ________________________________________________________________ STATEMENT OF FACTS: The applicant is currently serving in the Air Force in the grade of senior master sergeant. On 30 October 2011, he obtained an overall unsatisfactory composite score on the contested FA, with an overall score of 74.40. He scored 42.30 on the cardio component, 15.10 on the abdominal circumference measurement, 10 on the push-up component and 7 on the sit-up component. On 27 September 2012, AFPC/DPSIM requested additional information from the applicant. Specifically, a copy of his signed FA score sheet and the signed fitness questionnaire for the FA in question. They also request the AF Form 469, Duty Limiting Report, AF Form 108, Physical Fitness Education and Intervention Processing, indicating he had a preexisting condition that contributed to his fitness assessment failure and his AF Form 422, Physical Profile Serial Report, documenting his limitations/exemptions. The applicant did not provide the requested documentation. ________________________________________________________________ AIR FORCE EVALUATION: AFPC/DPSIM recommends denial since the applicant has not demonstrated a clear error or injustice. In accordance with AFI 36-2905, Fitness Program, exemptions are designed to categorize members as unable or unavailable to train or test for reasons beyond the control of the member or commander. The commander, in consultation with the Exercise Physiologist and the Fitness Program Manager, may grant members an exemption from aerobic exercise and muscle fitness components of the assessment based on medical recommendations in accordance with paragraph 4.2, for a limited time period. The evidence provided by the applicant did not include medical provider recommended exemptions for the cardio component. The applicant did not provide evidence that reflects the commander’s determination to exempt a component. Per the AFGM 5, if an airman becomes injured or ill during the FA, he/she will have the option of being evaluated at the Medical Treatment Facility (MTF) whether the FA was completed or not. Before departing the test location, airmen must notify the FAC of the presence of an illness or injury. If the medical evaluation validates the illness or injury and provides supporting medical documentation, the Unit Commander may invalidate the FA results by notifying the FAC in writing. If the FA is invalidated, the airman will be required to retest on all non-exempt FA components within five duty days from the original FA test date. If an AF Form 422 is required, an additional five days will be allowed for the AF Form 422 to be generated and provided. The original FA will count unless rendered invalid by the unit commander. Airmen should notify their commander within the one duty day of the FA regarding the injury or illness to ensure communication regarding test validity with the MTF and FAC staff occurs prior to score entry in AFFMS. The FAC must also review the Fitness Screening Questionnaire prior to allowing any member to conduct an official FA and forwards any high-risk response to the MTF. If a member has a component exemption, an AF Form 422 must be provided to the member by the MTF. The applicant failed to provide a copy of the AF Form 469, AF Form 422 or the AF Form 108, indicating that he had a preexisting condition that contributed to his FA failure on 31 October 2011. The complete DPSIM evaluation, with attachment, is at Exhibit C. ________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION: A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 8 February 2013, for review and comment within 30 days (Exhibit D). 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 an injustice. After a thorough review of the evidence presented, we are not persuaded that the fitness assessment is erroneous or unjust as recorded. As such, we agree with the opinion and recommendation of the Air Force office of responsibility and adopt its rationale as the basis for our conclusion that the applicant has not been the victim of an error or injustice. In the absence of persuasive evidence to the contrary, we find no compelling basis to recommend granting the relief sought in this application. ________________________________________________________________ THE BOARD RECOMMENDS 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-2012-04056 in Executive Session on 16 May 2013 under the provisions of AFI 36-2603: Panel Chair Member Member The following documentary evidence pertaining to AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2012-04056 was considered: Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 15 Aug 12, w/atchs. Exhibit C. Applicant’s Master Personnel Records. Exhibit B. Letter, AFPC/DPSIM, dated 14 Jan 14, w/atch. Exhibit C. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 8 Feb 13.