RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2014-02185 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: NO APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: The name on his DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, be changed. APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: The name on his DD Form 214 is not entered correctly as shown on his birth certificate. The Board should find it in the interest of justice to consider his untimely request because his Department of Veteran’s Affairs (DVA) medical card application has been hindered due to the name differences. He provides copies of his birth certificate, Florida driver’s license and physician’s record. The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A. STATEMENT OF FACTS: On 20 Sep 78, the applicant entered the Regular Air Force. On 5 Aug 80, the applicant was discharged under the provisions of AFM 39-12, Separation for Unsuitability, Misconduct, Resignation or Request for Discharge for the Good of the Service, with a reason for separation of “Unsuitable-Personality Disorder-Evaluation Officer,” with an honorable character of service. He was credited with 1 year, 10 months and 16 days of active service. On 1 Apr 15, the applicant was forwarded a copy of the SAF/MR memorandum, dated 9 Mar 15, that was provided in order to comply with 10 U.S.C. §1556. Specifically, the memorandum notes that the DD Form 214 is a document primarily created for the benefit of the veteran to establish entitlement to various government programs or in seeking employment with organizations that grant a veterans' preference. However, any such name change should be limited only to the DD 214; any change to an applicant's other records to reflect a post-service name change should rarely be recommended, and only in the most unusual cases. The AFBCMR should require proof that the applicant's name was legally changed. A signed and authenticated court order should be required. Further, the correction should be to the DD 214 and for the limited purposes of mitigating an injustice caused by use of the DD Form 214. 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 C. AIR FORCE EVALUATION: AFPC/DPSIR recommends denial of the applicant’s request to change his name in his service record. Air Force Instruction 36-2608, Military Personnel Records System, Table A7.3, Note 5 states “Do not correct records of former members unless evidence proves the name used while serving with the Air Force was erroneously recorded.” It does not appear the Air Force erroneously recorded the applicant’s name. Since he has no continuing affiliation with the Air Force as a Reserve member or retiree, we are unable to amend his military record after the fact. The complete DPSIR 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 9 Jul 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 an error or injustice. We took notice of the applicant’s complete submission, including copies of his DD Form 214, Physician’s record and driver’s license, in judging the merits of the case; however, we agree with the opinion and recommendation of the Air Force OPR and adopt its rationale as the basis for our conclusion the applicant has not been the victim of an error of injustice. While we acknowledge the applicant’s request to change his name, we do not believe he has demonstrated evidence of an injustice, as compared to others in his similar situation. Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no basis to recommend granting the requested 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 documentary evidence pertaining to AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2014-02185 was considered: Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 27 May 14, w/atchs. Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records. Exhibit C. Memorandum, AFPC/DPSIR, dated 9 Jul 14. Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 9 Sep 14.