RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS


IN THE MATTER OF: 			DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2014-02643

					COUNSEL:  NONE

					HEARING DESIRED:  NO 



APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

Her DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, be corrected to reflect she contributed to the Post-Vietnam Era Veterans’ Educational Assistance Program (VEAP).  


APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

Her DD Form 214, block 15.a, erroneously indicate that she did not contribute to VEAP.  However, she recalls having a monthly deduction from her military pay.  Although she discovered it years ago, it was not until she received a legible copy of her DD Form 214 that she was able to read the error.  As a veteran, she knows that education is one of her benefits.  She has incurred a huge educational debt for which she may be entitled to have some of these expenses reimbursed.  

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


STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant initially entered the Regular Air Force on 7 May 1985.  

On 6 February 1993, the applicant was furnished an honorable discharge, and was credited with seven years and nine months of active service.  

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/DPSIT recommends denial.  VEAP was enacted by Congress to provide a veteran’s education benefit for individuals entering active duty between 1 January 1977 and 30 June 1985.  VEAP was a voluntary program that offered a maximum $8,100 benefit to participants.  To enroll and participate, officers and airmen were required to start an allotment or make a deposit at the local accounting and finance office sometime between 1 January 1977 and 31 March 1987.  The minimum amount was $25 and all VEAP contributions were reflected on a leave and earning statement and on quarterly VEAP statements.  Individuals entering active duty during the VEAP era completed a DD Form 2057, Contributory Educational Assistance Program—Statement of Understanding, after receiving a VEAP briefing at Officer Training School or Basic Military Training.  Although, the applicant contends she enrolled in VEAP; there is no evidence to support her claim.  

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


APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

A copy the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 17 November 2014 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 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.  While the applicant contends she contributed monthly to VEAP, she has provided no documentary evidence which supports her assertion.  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 members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2014-02643 in Executive Session on 31 March 2015 under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

	Panel Chair
	Member
	Member

The following documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 27 June 2014.
	Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.  Memorandum, AFPC/DPSIT, dated 22 August 2014.
	Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 17 November 2014.