RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2013-03779 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: YES ________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: His Reentry code (RE) of 2Q (Personnel medically retired or discharged) be changed to an RE code in the 1 series to allow immediate reenlistment. ________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: His is physically and medically capable to perform military duties. The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A. _________________ ______________________________________________ STATEMENT OF FACTS: During the applicant’s military entrance processing (MEPS), he revealed that he underwent left knee arthroscopy in 2008. According to _medical evaluation from the applicant’s physician, he ___ injured his right knee in June 2011 prior to entering basic military training (BMT). On 12 July 2011, the applicant commenced his enlistment in the Regular Air Force. During the first week of basic military training (BMT), the applicant presented with pain in the right knee while walking, marching, and carrying a duffel bag. He was diagnosed with patellofemoral syndrome (knee pain); however, he underwent a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan which revealed a complete tear of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). On 29 September 2011, the applicant underwent a Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) and received a diagnosis of a complete tear of the right PCL that existed prior to service (EPTS) and was referred to the Informal Physical Evaluation Board (IPEB). On 19 October 2011, the IPEB reviewed the applicant’s case and recommended discharge under other than Chapter 61, 10 USC because his condition existed prior to service (EPTS). On 21 October 2011, the applicant concurred with the findings and recommendations of the IPEB. On 24 October 2011, the Secretary of the Air Force directed the applicant be separated due to an EPTS medical condition. On 28 October 2011, the applicant was honorably discharged with a narrative reason for separation of “Disability, Existed Prior to Service PEB,” along with a reentry code of 2Q (Personnel medically retired or discharged). On 15 December 2011, the applicant underwent surgery to repair his right knee PCL tear. On 8 May 2013, the applicant’s surgeon cleared him to return to full military duty without restrictions. ________________________________________________________________ AIR FORCE EVALUATION: AETC/SGPS recommends approval noting the applicant’s separation was carried out in accordance with established policy and administrative procedures. However, should the medical condition be surgically corrected and the applicant undergo proper rehabilitation and physical therapy, he may meet current enlistment standards and SGPS would support changing the RE code. A complete copy of the AETC/SGPS evaluation is at Exhibit C. AFPC/DPSOA recommends denial indicating there is no evidence of an error or injustice. The applicant received the required RE code for an individual separated with a disability discharge. A complete copy of the AFPC/DPSOA evaluation is at Exhibit D. The AFBCMR Medical consultant recommends approval noting the applicant now meets the medical standard to apply for reenlistment. Under the provisions of the Department of Defense Instruction (DODI) 6130.03, Medical Standards for Appointment, Enlistment, or Induction, Enlistment, or Induction in the Military Services, a service member who has undergone surgical reconstruction of the knee ligament, 12 months have elapsed since reconstruction, and the knee is asymptomatic and stable, meets the standards for enlistment. The applicant has undergone surgery to repair of his PCL tear and his surgeon has cleared him for military service without restrictions. A complete copy of the AFBCMR Medical Consultant’s evaluation is at Exhibit E. ________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION: Copies of the Air Force evaluations were forwarded to the applicant on 2 May 2014 for review and comment within 30 days (Exhibit F). As of this date, no response has been received by this office. ________________________________________________________________ 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. After reviewing the evidence of record, we find the applicant has provided sufficient documentation showing that while his discharge for his pre-service medical condition was carried out in accordance with the provisions of the governing instructions, he has since had surgery to rectify his medical condition and, according to the AFBCMR Medical Consultant and AETC/SGPS, appears to meet medical standards for enlistment. Therefore, we believe it appropriate to change his RE code to allow him to apply for reentry to military service. Whether or not he is successful will depend on the needs of the service and our recommendation in no way guarantees that he will be allowed to return to any branch of service. Therefore, we recommend that his records be corrected to the extent indicated below. 4. The applicant's case is adequately documented and it has not been shown that a personal appearance with or without counsel will materially add to our understanding of the issue(s) involved. Therefore, the request for a hearing is not favorably considered. ________________________________________________________________ THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT: The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to the APPLICANT be corrected to show that he was issued a reentry (RE) code of “3K” (Secretarial Authority) in conjunction with his discharge on 28 October 2011. ________________________________________________________________ The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2013-03779 in Executive Session on 1 July 2014, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603: , Panel Chair , Member , Member All members voted to correct the records as recommended. The following documentary evidence was considered: Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 5 Oct 13, w/atchs. Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records. Exhibit C. Letter, AETC/SGPS, dated 9 Sep 13. Exhibit D. Letter, AFPC/DPSOA, dated 9 Oct 13. Exhibit E. Letter, AFBCMR Medical Consultant, dated 13 Mar 14. Exhibit F. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 2 May 14. Panel Chair