RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS


IN THE MATTER OF: 	DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2014-01697

	XXXXXXXX			COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  NO 



APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

He be allowed to transfer his Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits (TEB) to his dependents.  


APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

Before his terminal leave which began in Oct 10, he transferred 12 months of the Post 9/11 GI Bill benefit to his children and left 12 months to himself.  He ensured that he had the proper time in service; however, after communicating with the Total Force Service Center (TFSC) they believe that he may have not submitted the Statement of Understanding (SOU), thus, his TEB was not properly transferred.  If this is in fact the case, then he wonders why it was not brought to his attention prior to his retirement.  He knew he wanted to transfer 12 months of the education benefit to his children and requests that he be approved for TEB.  

The applicant’s complete submission is at Exhibit A.


STATEMENT OF FACTS:

During the events under review, the applicant was serving in the Regular Air Force in the grade of master sergeant (E-7).  

According to the Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) application, there is no record the member applied for TEB at any time, nor did he inquire with the Total Force Service Center (TFSC) according to the Right Now Technology regarding TEB (to include eligibility for the program).

The applicant’s Total Active Federal Military Service Date (TAFMSD) is 30 Nov 87.  In accordance with AFI 36-2306, “For individuals eligible for retirement on 1 August 2009, no additional service is required.”  Based on his TAFMSD, he would have incurred no active duty service commitment (ADSC) obligation with TEB approval.

The remaining relevant facts pertaining to this application are contained in the memorandum prepared by the Air Force office of primary responsibility (OPR), which is attached at Exhibit B.    


AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPSIT recommends denial.  There is no record in the Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) application that the member applied for TEB; therefore, no eligibility for the program could be established, as the law/regulations cite the date of request as the date on which the appropriate service obligation would be established (IAW AFI 36-2306, Attachment 9, A9.18.l.2, A9.18.l.3 and A9.18.l.4).  Without a request, a TEB application cannot be approved and eligibility cannot be determined.  

If the BCMR feels an injustice has occurred and decides to approve the case, the most reasonable estimate with regard to the TEB approval date would be 1 Oct 10, as the member did not provide any evidence or an exact date he attempted to transfer his benefits.

A complete copy of the AFPC/DPSIT evaluation is at Exhibit B.


APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

A copy of the Air Force evaluation, was forwarded to the applicant on 4 Aug 14 for review and comment within 30 days (Exhibit D).  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 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 the applicant has not been the victim of an error or injustice.  In this respect, the applicant indicates that he went to the “website” and completed the transfer; however, there is no record in the DMDC application that he submitted an application for transfer of his educational benefits.  Additionally there is no record that he attempted to contact the TFSC or the VA to confirm his eligibility for the TEB program prior to his retirement.  Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no basis to recommend granting the relief sought in this application.


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.


The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2014-01697 in Executive Session on 20 Feb 15, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

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The following documentary evidence was considered: 

Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 18 Apr 14.
Exhibit B.  Letter, AFPC/DPSIT, dated 26 May 14.
Exhibit C.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 4 Aug 14.

















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