ADDENDUM TO RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2015-00280-2

	COUNSEL: NONE
	
	HEARING: NO

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

The Board reconsider his request to change his DD Form 214, Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge, to reflect an Honorable Discharge for medical reasons, instead of an entry-level separation (ELS) with uncharacterized service.  

RESUME OF THE CASE:

On 10 Dec 15, the Board considered and denied a request for correction of military records submitted by the applicant, finding that the applicant had provided insufficient evidence of an error or injustice to justify relief.

For an accounting of the applicant’s original request and the rationale of the earlier decision, see the AFBCMR Letter and Record of Proceedings at Exhibit G.

On 22 Mar 16, the applicant requested reconsideration of his request.  He again contends he was always seen for a heart condition never his severe breathing problems he had during course examinations, which lead to course failure and expulsion from the Air Force.  The Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) has now given him a medical rating for lung conditions and for Anxiety Disorder that resulted from his breathing problems while on active duty.  

The applicant’s complete submission is at Exhibit H.

AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFBCMR Medical Consultant recommends denying the application. The applicant entered military service on 28 Jan 14 and was involuntarily discharged as ELS on 23 Jun 14 with an uncharacterized character of service, under Authority of AFI 36-3208, Administrative Separation of Airmen.  The reason for separation was related to the applicant’s academic performance during the Basic Medical Technician/Corpsman Program.  The Medical Consultant conceded the applicant’s work-up of his chest complaints during service could or should have included a pulmonary medicine referral, he opined that there is insufficient evidence presented to establish a causal relationship between an undiagnosed pulmonary condition and the applicant’s test failures.  On the other hand, exploration of whether there was causal relationship between a service-incurred mental disorder and the applicant’s testing failures warrants an opinion by the Mental Health Consultant; noting the applicant has been given service connection and a 30% disability rating by the DVA.  The Medical Consultant recommends denial of the applicant’s request to supplant his character and reason for discharge with an Honorable discharge for medical reasons.  The complete advisory is at Exhibit I.

AFBCMR Psychiatric Advisor recommends denying the application.  Evidence made available revealed the applicant had unsatisfactory academic performance in the Basic Medical Technician/Corpsman Program.  He washed-back in training once, was placed on academic probation, received special individualized assistance, and was counseled on numerous occasions regarding exam preparation and expectations.  His supervisors noted that his notes were good, so they did believe that he was applying himself.  He contended he could not pass the exams because he was unable to retain the information.  The applicant reported he was hit in the head when he was in high school (not documented as a concussion) and since that time, he has had a problem.  He was reported to have told his instructor that he himself did not feel that he should not be in the Air Force any longer.  There is no documentation that a medical condition acquired during the applicant’s initial 180 days of active duty interfered with his academic performance.  The complete advisory is at Exhibit J.  

APPLICANT’S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The Board sent copies of the Air Force evaluations to the applicant on 20 Feb 18 for comment (Exhibit K), but has received no response.

THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT:

After reviewing all Exhibits, the Board remains unconvinced the evidence presented demonstrates an error or injustice and therefore finds no basis to recommend granting the requested relief.  There is insufficient evidence supporting the DVA’s medical ratings for the applicant has a nexus with his failure to progress in the Basic Medical Technician/Corpsman Program.  Therefore, the Board recommends against correcting the applicant’s records.

THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT:

The applicant be informed the evidence did not demonstrate material error or injustice, and the application will only be reconsidered upon receipt of relevant evidence not already considered by the Board.

CERTIFICATION:

The following quorum of the Board, as defined in Air Force Instruction (AFI) 36-2603, Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records (AFBCMR), paragraph 1.5, considered Docket Number BC-2015-00280-2 in Executive Session on 24 Apr 18:

All members voted not to correct the record.  The panel considered the following:

Exhibit G:	Record of Proceedings, w/ Exhibits A-F, dated 26 Jan 16.
Exhibit H:	Application, DD Form 149, w/atchs, dated 22 Mar 16.
Exhibit I:	Advisory opinion, AFBCMR Med Consultant, dated 28 Dec 16/signed 
	6 Feb 18. 
Exhibit J:	Advisory opinion, AFBCMR Mental Health, dated 7 Feb 18.
Exhibit K:	Notification of Advisories, SAF/MRBC to applicant, dated 20 Feb 18.

Taken together with all Exhibits, this document constitutes the true and complete Record of Proceedings required by AFI 36-2603, paragraph 4.11.9.