UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2017-02125
COUNSEL: NONE
(DECEASED SERVICE MEMBER)
(APPLICANT)	HEARING: NO

APPLICANT’S REQUEST. That her deceased spouse’s records be corrected to reflect he elected spouse coverage under the Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan (RCSBP).

APPLICANT’S CONTENTION. Her deceased spouse would never purposely not provide death benefits for her in the event of his death. She was unaware of her deceased spouse’s benefits until she received a letter from the Air Force regarding his eligibility for a retirement program. The applicant’s complete submission is at Exhibit A.

STATEMENT OF FACTS. On 30 Jun 79, the applicant and deceased service member were married. According to the death certificate provided by the applicant, her deceased spouse died on 6 Oct 13. On 18 Oct 17, an SBP Marital Status Affidavit was mailed to the applicant, but the Board has received no response. For more information, see the excerpt of the applicant’s record at Exhibit B and the advisory at Exhibit C.

AIR FORCE EVALUATION. ARPC/DPTT recommends denying the application, indicating members of the Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard are sent a certified letter of their eligibility for the RCSBP and an explanation of the program and guidance on making elections. The service member did not return the documentation with his desired election within the 90-day timeframe prescribed by law. Therefore, he was automatically enrolled under Option A, “defer until age 60.”  The complete advisory is at Exhibit C.

APPLICANT’S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION. The Board sent a copy of the Air Force evaluation to the applicant on 15 Feb 18 for comment (Exhibit D), but has received no response.
THE BOARD CONCLUDES:
1.	The application was timely filed.
2.	The applicant exhausted all available avenues of non-judicial relief before applying to the Board.

3.	After thoroughly reviewing all Exhibits, it is the Board’s opinion that the applicant is not the victim of an error or injustice. The Board concurs with ARPC/DPTT and finds that a preponderance of the evidence does not substantiate the applicant’s contentions. Therefore, the Board recommends against correcting the applicant’s records.

THE BOARD RECOMMENDS: The APPLICANT be informed that the evidence did not demonstrate material error or injustice; the application was denied without a personal appearance; and the application will only be reconsidered upon receipt of relevant evidence not already considered by the Board.

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY – PRIVACY ACT OF 1974

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 AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2017-02125 in Executive Session on 12 Apr 18:
Panel Chair
Panel Member Panel Member
All members voted not to correct the record.  The panel considered the following:

Exhibit A: Applicant’s application, DD Form 149, dated 21 Apr 17, w/atchs. Exhibit B: Documentary evidence, including excerpts from official records. Exhibit C: Advisory opinion, ARPC/DPTT, dated 18 Dec 17.
Exhibit D: Notification of Advisory, SAF/MRBC to applicant, dated 15 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.

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY – PRIVACY ACT OF 1974 2