RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2013-01038
	 		COUNSEL: NONE
			HEARING DESIRED: NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His separation orders be rescinded to allow his return to active 
duty.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He questions the validity of the Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) 
process that led to his separation.  The MEB’s "unfit for duty" 
decision which subsequently led to his medical separation is 
unjust.  He is fit for duty and should remain on active duty.

In support of his request, the applicant provides a personal 
statement, copies of his AF Form 618, Medical Board Report; AF 
Forms 356, Findings and Recommended Disposition of USAF Physical 
Evaluation Board, support letters, fitness record, and various 
other documents associated with his request.

The applicant's complete submission, with attachments, is at 
Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

On 15 Aug 2012, the Informal Physical Evaluation Board (IPEB) 
reviewed the medical board report for diagnosis of psoriatic 
arthritis with left wrist, right ankle and left 2nd toe 
arthropathy.  The IPEB recommended discharge with severance pay 
with a 20 percent disability rating.

On 29 Aug 2012, the applicant non-concurred and requested a 
formal hearing with counsel.

On 3 Oct 2012, the Formal PEB recommended discharge with 
severance pay and a 20 percent disability rating.

On 19 Oct 2012, the applicant non-concurred with the findings 
and appealed to the Secretary of the Air Force Personnel Council 
(SAFPC) requesting he be returned to duty. 

On 10 Dec 2012, SAFPC directed he be discharged and receive 
severance pay with a disability rating of 20 percent.  He served 
10 years, 3 months, and 23 days of active duty.

The remaining relevant facts pertaining to this application are 
contained in the letter prepared by the appropriate office of 
the Air Force at Exhibit B.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPFD recommends denial.  DPFD states that the preponderance 
of evidence reflects that no error or injustice occurred during 
the disability process.  The applicant requested a onetime 
reconsideration with the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) 
for reevaluation of his 20 percent rating.  He did not provide 
any new medical documentation and the DVA decided no change to 
the previously assigned 20 percent rating for psoriatic 
arthritis with left wrist, right ankle, and left 2nd toe 
arthropathy was warranted.

The complete DPFD evaluation is at Exhibit B.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF THE AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

On 31 Mar 2013, a copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded 
to the applicant for review and comment within 30 days.  As of 
this date, no response has been received by this office (Exhibit 
C).

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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 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 and adopt its 
rationale as the basis for our conclusion that the applicant has 
not been the victim of an error or injustice.  We are not 
unmindful or unappreciative of his service to his Nation; 
however, in the absence of persuasive evidence that his medical 
discharge was improper or contrary to the governing 
instructions, we find no basis to recommend favorable 
consideration of his application.

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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.

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The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR BC-2013-
01038 in Executive Session on 5 Dec 2013, under the provisions 
of AFI 36-2603:

, Panel Chair
, Member
, Member

The following documentary evidence was considered:

   Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, 24 Feb 2013, w/atchs.
   Exhibit B.  Letter, AFPC/DPFD, dated 8 Mar 2013.
   Exhibit C.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 31 Mar 2013.