RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF: 			DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2016-00022

 						COUNSEL:  NONE

						HEARING DESIRED:  NO 

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

He be allowed to elect his current spouse as beneficiary under the Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan (RCSBP).

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

When he made his RCSBP election at age 60, he was newly widowed and was not considering remarriage.  He was not aware, nor does he recall being informed, he would have to reapply for future benefits upon remarriage.

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

STATEMENT OF FACTS:

On 13 Aug 13, the applicant retired from the Air Force Reserve and was credited with 41 years, 3 months, and 29 days of service for basic pay.

On 17 May 14, the applicant married his current spouse.

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:

ARPC/DPTT recommends granting the applicant’s request, indicating there is evidence of an error or injustice.

When the applicant married, he was not aware he should have made changes to his RCSBP election and did not notify ARPC of his intent to change his election within one year after his remarriage.

The applicant’s unit provided a letter stating they did not properly update the member’s record, nor did they advise him on the opportunity to change his RCSBP election.

A complete copy of the ARPC/DPTT 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 6 Mar 17 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.  While we note the Air Force office of primary responsibility (OPR) recommends approval, we disagree.  The OPR contends the applicant’s unit provided a letter stating the applicant was not properly advised on the opportunity to change his RCSBP election.  However, other than these assertions, no evidence has been presented.  Additionally, the applicant presented no evidence that he was somehow miscounseled or that he was treated differently than others similarly situated.  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-2016-00022 in Executive Session on 21 Jun 17 under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

	, Panel Chair
	, Member
	, Member

The following documentary evidence pertaining to AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2016-00022 was considered:

	Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 29 Dec 15, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.  Excerpt from Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.  Memorandum, ARPC/DPTT, dated 16 Aug 16.
	Exhibit D.  Letter, AFBCMR, dated 6 Mar 17, w/atch.

Pursuant to paragraph 1 of AFI 36-2603 (Title 32 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 865.1), it is certified a quorum was present at the Board's review and deliberations, and the foregoing is a true and complete record of the Board's proceedings in the above entitled matter.