RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:	BC-2014-02656 COUNSEL:	NONE
HEARING DESIRED:	NO

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:
His records be corrected to show he transferred his Post-9/11 GI Bill Education Benefits (TEB) in 2010 to his eligible dependents and to honor the associated Active Duty Service Commitment (ADSC) incurred by the TEB approval.

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:
He successfully completed his TEB application on 10 Feb 10. At the time, he was currently serving an ADSC for his Aviator Continuation Pay (ACP) obligation so he knew the addition of the TEB ADSC would run concurrent with his ACP ADSC. He never received notification his application was not complete [or that it had been rejected]. In early 2010, there was not a process to notify members to verify their contact information if any further information was needed. Further, without notification, he had no indication the application wasn’t properly received and it would be several years before his children would reach an age to use the benefit. In 2014 he realized the application was denied when he attempted to redistribute benefits among his dependents.

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

STATEMENT OF FACTS:
The applicant is currently a member of the Regular Air Force, serving in the grade of colonel (O-6).

On 10 Feb 10, according to AFI 36-2306, Voluntary Education Program, the applicant would have incurred a four year ADSC if he elected the TEB.

On 10 Feb 10, the applicant was currently serving a ten-year ADSC for election of ACP, which concluded on 13 Mar 14.

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

AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
AFPC/DPSIT recommends approval, indicating there is evidence of an error or injustice. The applicant applied for TEB on 26 Jan 10 and his application was rejected on 10 Feb 10 because he did not sign the required TEB SOU. He claims he did not receive the email from the Total Force Service Center (TFSC) in January 2010, and that is why he could not complete all program requirements. At the time of his TEB application, there was no banner on the vMPF website to direct members to verify their telephone number and email address. Therefore, it is impossible to determine if the applicant’s email address was valid at the time of application, and if he actually received the communication from the TFSC regarding both the initial notification and the rejection notice. Had he been properly notified during his January 2010 application, it is reasonable to believe the member would have signed the required SOU to complete the approval process. It is recommended the member's TEB be approved effective 26 Jan 10, with an obligation end date of 25 Jan 14.

A complete copy of the AFPC/DPSIT 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 2 Sep 14 for review and comment within 30 days (Exhibit E). 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 error or injustice. We took notice of the applicant's complete submission in judging the merits of the case and 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 been the victim of an error or injustice. Therefore, we recommend the applicant's records be corrected as indicated below.

THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT:
The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to the APPLICANT be corrected to show that on 26 Jan 10, he elected to transfer his Post-9/11 GI Bill Educational Benefits to his eligible dependents, generating an active duty service commitment of four years, with a 25 Jan 14 expiration date.

The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2014-02656 in Executive Session on 11 May 15 under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

, Panel Chair
, Member
, Member
All members voted to correct the records as recommended. The following documentary evidence pertaining to AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2014-02656 was considered:

Exhibit A.	DD Form 149, dated 20 Jun 14, w/atchs. Exhibit B.	Applicant's Master Personnel Records. Exhibit C.	Memorandum, AFPC/DPSIT, dated 14 Jul 14. Exhibit D.	Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 2 Sep 14.