RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2012-04916 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: NO ________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: Her Reentry (RE) code of 2Q (Medically retired or discharged) and Separation Program Designator (SPD) code of JFM (Released for Conditions Existing Prior to Service) on her DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, be changed to allow her to enlist in the Air National Guard or Air Force Reserve. ________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: She has learned to live with the pain in her lower back which caused her discharge and can now manage a full normal life and lifestyle. She has not had any surgery or procedures on her lower back since being discharged. The applicant’s complete submission, with attachment, is at Exhibit A. _________________ ______________________________________________ STATEMENT OF FACTS: The applicant initially entered the Air Force on 23 Aug 05. On 3 Oct 07, the applicant was discharged from active duty with a Narrative Reason for Separation of “Discharge Disability, Existed Prior to Service,” and was credited with two years, one month, and eleven days of active service. The remaining relevant facts pertaining to this application are described in the letter prepared by the Air Force office of primary responsibility, which is attached at Exhibit C. ________________________________________________________________ AIR FORCE EVALUATION: AFPC/DPFD recommends denial indicating there is no evidence of an error or an injustice. On 22 Aug 07, the Informal Physical Evaluation Board (IPEB) reviewed the applicant’s case for a diagnosis of chronic low back pain associated with a bulging disc and congenital defect above the sixth lumbar vertebra, which means the condition existed prior to the applicant entering service. The IPEB recommended she be discharged as her condition existed prior to service. The applicant concurred with the findings of the IPEB and the RE and SPD codes issued in conjunction with her separation are appropriate given her medical condition and the IPEB findings. There was no error or injustice in processing her disability discharge. A complete copy of the AFPC/DPFD evaluation is at Exhibit C. ________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION: A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 25 Jan 13 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 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 an 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 Air Force office of primary responsibility (OPR) and adopt its rationale as the basis for our conclusion the applicant has not been the victim of an error of injustice. Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no basis to recommend granting the relief. ________________________________________________________________ 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-2012-04916 in Executive Session on 9 Jul 13, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603: Panel Chair Member Member The following documentary evidence was considered: Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 16 Oct 12, w/atch. Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records Exhibit C. Letter, AFPC/DPFD, dated 8 Jan 13. Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 25 Jan 13.