RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF: 				DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2015-03335

XXXXXXXXXX					COUNSEL:  NONE

							HEARING DESIRED:  NO 

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

He be reconsidered for constructive service credit for his Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering.

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

During his first year in medical school, he was counseled he could receive credit for his Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering.  The degree was earned in a science-focused field, and his research and thesis involved developing and experimenting with devices with medical applications including skin related medical use.  The title of his thesis was “Measurements of thermal properties and blood perfusion using the heat flux microsensor.” He has been in the Regular Air Force for 16 years and is currently working as a full time clinical dermatologist.

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

STATEMENT OF FACTS:

According to the applicant’s college transcript, he was awarded his Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering on 4 May 1991.  The thesis title is “Measurements of Thermal Properties and Blood Perfusion Using the Heat Flux Microsensor.”

According to Reserve Order PA-343 dated 30 December 1996, the applicant was appointed to the grade of second lieutenant (O-1) with the intent to attend the Air Force Health Professions Scholarship Program (AFHPSP).

Via Special Order AH-0633, dated 29 March 1999, the applicant was accessed to extended active duty in the grade of O-3 for Family Practice residency training effective 13 June 1999.

According to Reserve Order D-362, dated 24 May 1999, the applicant was appointed as a reserve O-3 in the primary Air Force Specialty 44F1 (Family Physician), assigned to HQ Air Reserve Personnel Center, Obligated Reserve Section, effective 13 May 1999.

According to AFPC Form 60, Constructive Service Credit Computation, dated 24 May 1999, the applicant’s Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering was reviewed and denied additional constructive service credit by the functional manager in the Physician Education Branch.

In a memorandum dated 16 November 2015, after a review of the applicant’s records, the Military Accessions Branch disapproved awarding additional constructive service credit for the applicant’s Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering.

The applicant is currently serving in the Regular Air Force in the grade of lieutenant colonel (O-5).  His duty title is Chief, Dermatology.

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/DPAN recommends denial indicating there is no evidence of an error or an injustice.  In May 1999, and again in November 2015, his masters degree was reviewed and denied additional constructive service credit by the functional manager in the Physician Education Branch. In accordance with DoDI 6000.13, Accession and Retention Policies, Programs, and Incentives for Military Health Professions Officers (HPOs), paragraph 6.1.2.2.3 and AFI 36-2005, Appointment in Commissioned Grades and Designation and Assignment in Professional Categories - Reserve of the Air Force and United States Air Force, Table 2.7., credit is not earned by Medical Corps applicant’s for a master’s degree in engineering (health related).  In addition, the advanced degree must add adjunctive skills to the primary specialty and must contribute directly to performance in the anticipated positon in the military service when accessed to active duty.  In June 1999, the applicant was accessed to active duty in the Medical Corps as a Family Physician (Air Force Specialty Code [AFSC] 44F1), the degree does not add adjunctive skills to this specialty or contribute directly to the performance in his position.

A complete copy of the AFPC/DPAN evaluation, with attachments, 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 March 2016, 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 timely filed.

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 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 others may have been awarded constructive credit under similar circumstances to his, the Board did not find evidence to compel them to grant the relief sought.  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-2015-03335 in Executive Session on 12 July 2016, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

, Panel Chair
, Member
, Member

The following documentary evidence pertaining to AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2015-03335 was considered:

Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 31 July 2015, w/atchs.
Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
Exhibit C.  Memorandum, AFPC/DPAN, dated 18 December 2015, 
  w/atchs.
Exhibit D.  Letter, AFBCMR, dated 9 March 2016.