BOARD DATE: 10 August 2017 DOCKET NUMBER: AR20160013013 BOARD VOTE: _________ _______ ________ GRANT FULL RELIEF ________ ________ ________ GRANT PARTIAL RELIEF ________ ________ ________ GRANT FORMAL HEARING ____x____ ____x____ _____x___ DENY APPLICATION 2 Enclosures 1. Board Determination/Recommendation 2. Evidence and Consideration BOARD DATE: 10 August 2017 DOCKET NUMBER: AR20160013013 BOARD DETERMINATION/RECOMMENDATION: The evidence presented does not demonstrate the existence of a probable error or injustice. Therefore, the Board determined the overall merits of this case are insufficient as a basis for correction of the records of the individual concerned. ______________x___________ CHAIRPERSON I certify that herein is recorded the true and complete record of the proceedings of the Army Board for Correction of Military Records in this case. BOARD DATE: 10 August 2017 DOCKET NUMBER: AR20160013013 THE BOARD CONSIDERED THE FOLLOWING EVIDENCE: 1. Application for correction of military records (with supporting documents provided, if any). 2. Military Personnel Records and advisory opinions (if any). THE APPLICANT'S REQUEST, STATEMENT, AND EVIDENCE: 1. The applicant requests correction of his records to show he was appointed in the rank of captain (CPT)/pay grade O-3 with additional constructive credit (i.e., years of service in an active status) for his Master of Science (MS) degree in Biotechnology and/or his Master of Arts (MA) degree in Biological Sciences. 2. The applicant states Department of Defense (DoD) Instruction (DODI) Number 6000.13 (Medical Manpower and Personnel) authorizes constructive credit for master's and doctorate degrees in a health profession other than medical and dentistry, whether it is the primary degree or an additional advanced degree. Constructive credit of up to two (2) years for a master's degree and up to four (4) years for a doctorate may be awarded. He states he was not granted constructive credit for either of his master's degrees, both of which add adjunctive skills to his primary specialty and contribute directly to his performance in his anticipated position. a. He states he entered active duty as a second lieutenant (2LT) in May 2006 as a Medical Service Corps (MS) officer. He served in area of concentration (AOC) 67C (Preventive Medicine Science Officer) and within AOC of 72D (Environmental Science Officer). He was promoted to first lieutenant (1LT) and then promoted to CPT. During that time he pursued further education after work hours with the approval of his command. (1) On 30 May 2009, he was awarded an MS (2-year) degree in Biotechnology with a concentration in Biosecurity and Biodefense from the University of Maryland, College Park, MD. The coursework he completed included Molecular Biology, Techniques of Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, and Social Issues in Biotechnology, which related directly to his role as a physician and research scientist. Also, the course Business of Biotechnology related to his role as a manager and leader. In addition, subjects such as Agents of Bioterrorism, Biosecurity and Bioterrorism, Advanced Biosecurity and Bioterrorism, and Concepts in Homeland Security were pertinent to his position as a military physician. (2) He separated from active duty in the spring of 2010 and pursued further academic study at Harvard University. On 24 May 2012, he was awarded an MA (2-year research) degree in Biological Sciences. The coursework he completed included Cellular Metabolism, Physiology and Pharmacology, Statistics, and Nanobiotechnology, which related to his occupation as a physician. Also, the coursework in Clinical Neurosciences, including Sleep Physiology and the Neurobiology of Emotion and Mental Illness were pertinent to his specialty of psychiatry. In addition, the 15 months of research he performed between January 2011 and April 2012 involved numerous advanced research skills (including in vivo drug testing, pharmacology, hematologic analysis, molecular and cellular imaging, anatomic pathology, cloning, mutagenesis, biostatistical analysis, scholarly writing, and transitional research) that are pertinent to his specialty as a psychiatrist and clinical neuroscientist. b. He was appointed as a Reserve commissioned officer (2LT) in August 2012 upon entry into the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) in Bethesda, MD. He graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine on 21 May 2016. c. He received 2 years of constructive credit for all of his years of service in the U.S. Army. He states that he is requesting additional constructive credit for his master's degrees because he was required to reenter military service as a 2LT (after having served as a 2LT) and because at least one of his degrees (i.e., MA from Harvard University) was obtained while he was in civilian status. d. He concludes that both degrees add adjunctive skills to his primary specialty and contribute directly to his performance in his position. He demonstrated these skills during medical school at the USUHS and he is already engaged in further research at his residency site (Tripler Army Medical Center). e. He adds that there is precedent for his request based on an Army Board for Correction of Military Records (ABCMR) decision in 2000 that corrected an Army physician's record to reflect credit for his previous education (i.e., a master's degree obtained prior to his commissioning through the USUHS). 3. The applicant provides a self-authored statement (summarized above) and copies of his: * transcripts for his two master's degrees * DA Form 5074-R (Record of Award of Entry Grade Credit – Medical and Dental Officers) * DODI 6000.13, dated 30 June 1997 * ABCMR, Record of Proceedings, Docket Number AR2000041973, dated 9 November 2000 * an email message CONSIDERATION OF EVIDENCE: 1. The applicant was appointed as a Reserve commissioned officer of the Army, in the rank of 2LT (MS) on 19 May 2006 and ordered to active duty on 20 May 2006. He was awarded AOC 67C and promoted to: * 1LT on 27 November 2007 * CPT on 1 June 2009 2. A DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) shows he was honorably discharged on 21 May 2010. He had completed 4 years and 2 days of net active service this period. He was transferred to the U.S. Army Reserve (USAR) to complete his statutory military service obligation. 3. He was appointed as a Reserve commissioned officer in the rank of CPT (MS), effective 22 May 2010 and he accepted this appointment on 23 May 2010. He was concurrently reassigned to a USAR troop program unit. 4. A U.S Army Recruiting Command (USAREC) Form 1223 (Department of the Army Service Agreement – F. Edward Hebert Armed Forces USUHS) shows the applicant agreed to complete the educational phase of the USUHS program leading to a degree in medicine in return for an active duty service obligation of not less than 7 years upon graduation. a. He agreed that while in the USUHS Program he would serve on active duty in pay grade O-1 with full pay and allowances of the grade, unless authorized to receive a pay rate in excess of the rate of the basic pay as an O-1 based on former grade and years of service. b. A review of the form failed to show any reference or discussion pertaining to his appointment grade or constructive service credit upon appointment. c. It shows in item 23, "I certify that there are no oral or other agreements or understanding or representations affecting the contract or relating to my military service, except as otherwise specifically provided herein." The applicant, a witness, and a USUHS official signed the form on 6 August 2012. 5. He was reappointed as a commissioned officer in the Regular Army (RA), in the in the rank of 2LT (MS) on 6 August 2012, ordered to active duty, and assigned to USUHS, Bethesda, MD. 6. DA Form 5074-R, completed on 8 December 2015, awarded entry-grade credit to the applicant and shows in: a. Part I (Constructive Service Credit) – * Section A (Credit for Basic Qualifying Degree): Degree College/University (Date Granted) (Dates of Attendance) Credit Awarded Medical Degree USUHS "4-0-0" [4 Years] (21 May 2016) (6 August 2012 – 21 May 2016) * Section D (Credit for Advanced Education Beyond Basic Qualifying Degree): College/University Degree (Dates of Attendance) Credit Awarded Master of Science University of Maryland "NC" [No Credit] (6 January 2007 – 30 May 2009) Master of Arts Harvard University NC (19 August 2010 – 24 May 2012) b. Part II (Prior Active Commissioned Service Credit): * Section A (Credit for Service as a Medical Officer or Dental Office) does not show any entries (i.e., is blank) * Section B (Credit for Service as Other Than Medical or Dental Officer): Uniformed Service and Status Inclusive Dates Credit Awarded Army [USAR] 22 May 2010 – 5 August 2012 "NC" Army [RA] 20 May 2006 – 21 May 2010 "2-0-1 RA/ Army/MS" c. Part III (Computation of Entry Grade and Date of Rank (DOR)) shows he was awarded the following credit: * total constructive credit: "4-0-0" * total prior service credit: "2-0-1" * total entry grade credit: "6-0-1" * adjusted total entry grade credit: "6-0-1" d. The DA Form 5074-R also shows he qualified for appointment in the grade of "CPT" in AOC 60W (Psychiatry) and the credit required for the grade of CPT (O-3) was 4 years. 7. The applicant was appointed as a commissioned officer in the RA, in rank of CPT (Medical Corps (MC)), effective 21 May 2016 with an active DOR of 21 May 2014 (2 years prior service credit). 8. In support of his request the applicant provides the following documents. a. His University of Maryland University College transcripts that show an MS degree in Biotechnology–Biosecurity and Biodefense was conferred on 30 May 2009. b. His Harvard University, Division of Continuing Education, Harvard Extension School transcripts that show an MA degree in Biological Sciences with a concentration in Biology was conferred on 24 May 2012. c. ABCMR, Record of Proceedings, Docket Number AR2000041973, dated 9 November 2000. A review of the proceedings show the individual was appointed as a Reserve commissioned officer (2LT, MS) and entered the USUHS in April 1983. He received a master's degree in Applied Human Physiology (from a civilian university) in June 1983. He was appointed as an RA commissioned officer (CPT, MC) on 16 May 1987. On 24 October 2000, in an advisory opinion, the Director of Medical Education, Office of The Surgeon General (OTSG) of the Army, opined that the individual's master's degree (in Applied Human Physiology) was considered an adjunctive skill to his primary degree and specialty (pediatric surgeon) and recommended he be granted 2 years of constructive credit. The ABCMR found the master's degree was earned through 2 years of additional study beyond his baccalaureate degree and awarded him 2 years of constructive credit under the provisions of DODI 6000.13, subparagraph 6.1.2.2.2. Accordingly, his DOR for CPT was adjusted to 16 May 1985. d. An email message from Doctor (Colonel) B. T____, dated 11 April 2016, showing she informed the applicant his next step was to appeal to the ABCMR for consideration of his request for constructive service credit. 9. In connection with the processing of this case, an advisory opinion was obtained from the Program Manager (PM), Graduate Medical Education (GME), OTSG, Falls Church, VA, dated 1 June 2017. a. The GME PM reviewed the applicant's request for constructive credit based on an MA degree in Biotechnology and an MA degree in Biological Sciences, for a total of four additional years of constructive service credit. He recommended the applicant's request for additional credit for the master's degrees be denied. b. The advisory official referenced DODI 6000.13, dated 30 June 1997, and stated that it was the governing directive in effect at the time of determination of the applicant's constructive credit. (1) He noted it shows in paragraph 6.1.1.3, "constructive credit may be awarded only if such advanced education or advanced degree is required as a prerequisite for original appointment as a commissioned officer in a particular officer category." He stated a medical officer requires a medical degree (MD) only; an MS is not a prerequisite for appointment. (2) He also noted paragraph 6.1.2.2.3 shows, "the additional degree must add adjunctive skills to the primary specialty and must contribute directly to performance in the anticipated position in the Military Service concerned." He stated a master's degree is not a prerequisite for medical school, a Psychiatry residency, or appointment as an MC Officer in the U.S. Army. c. The advisory official opined that the additional training under review is not applicable to the constructive credit for education, training, or experience required for appointment to the MC beyond 4 years of credit already granted the applicant for his medical school training. 10. On 6 June 2017, the applicant was provided a copy of the OTSG GME advisory opinion for information and to allow him the opportunity to submit comments or a rebuttal. 11. On 8 June 2017, the applicant provided his response noting the advisory official stated that "DODI 6000.13 (30 June 1997) was the governing directive in granting entry grade credit at the time of determination of constructive credit." He stated that he respectfully argues that the advisory opinion constitutes a misreading of the regulation. a. He noted the advisory official's reference to section 6.1.1 (Prior Commissioned Service Credit), paragraph 6.1.1.3. He stated this section refers only to constructive service credit awarded for time spent in active status commissioned service. It does not specify that the particular officer category must be the category into which the officer in question is currently appointed. (1) He stated that this paragraph might apply to his master's degree in biotechnology (which he attained while on active duty prior to his current commission) and does apply to his MD from USUHS, it does not apply to his master's degree in biological sciences (which he attained while he was a civilian). Instead, the provision for service credit for his biological sciences falls under section 6.1.2 (Constructive Service Credit) because it adds adjunctive skills to his primary specialty and contributes directly to performance in his position. (2) He discussed his MS and MA degree subjects that related directly to his specialty and performance in that role (as previously stated in his application). (3) If it is determined that his master's degree in biotechnology falls under paragraph 6.1.1, he will argue that the degree is both a prerequisite for and would qualify him for a direct commission in AOC 67B (Laboratory Sciences Officer) in Functional Area (FA) 71A (Microbiologist) or FA 71B (Biochemist). (4) He noted that paragraph 6.1.2.2.2 states that credit for a master's degree other than medicine and dentistry shall be awarded "whether it is the primary degree or an additional advanced degree." In this case, his master's degrees each constitute an additional advanced degree. (5) He added, contrary to the advisory official's assertion, paragraph 6.1.2.2.3 does not require that the degree be a prerequisite for medical school, a psychiatry residency, or appointment as an MC officer in the U.S. Army. It states, "The additional degree must add adjunctive skills to the primary specialty and must contribute directly to performance in the anticipated position in the Military Service concerned." He points out that the advisory opinion does not expressly disagree that his master's degrees add adjunctive skills to his primary specialty and contribute directly to performance in his anticipated position. He stated, Lieutenant Colonel J__ K___, MC, Director, Psychiatry Residency Program, who is responsible for training and producing half of the U.S. Army's new psychiatrists, has stated that "each of these degrees provide adjunctive skills to this officer's primary specialty – 60W (Psychiatrist) – and contribute directly to performance in his position." (A copy of LTC's K___ letter, dated 7 June 2017, was provided in support of his response to the advisory opinion.) b. He added that DODI 6000.13 (30 June 1997) was the instruction in force when he signed his USUHS contract and was specifically invoked by the USUHS admissions staff when he was recruited in 2012. Its provisions for constructive service credit and his knowledge that other USUHS graduates had received such credit factored substantially into his decision to accept a reduction in rank to 2LT in order to attend USUHS rather than attend a civilian medical school and maintain his rank of CPT (USAR). The fact that he did not receive additional constructive service credit for his master's degree was unanticipated and unjustified. c. He referred to the precedent set by the ABCMR in the referenced Record of Proceedings. d. He summarized by stating he is requesting 2 years of constructive service credit for his master's degree in biological sciences because it adds adjunctive skills to his specialty and performance in his positon. He is also requesting 2 years of prior commissioned service credit or 2 years of constructive service credit for his master's degree in biotechnology. REFERENCES: 1. Department of Defense Directive (DODD) 6000.12 (Health Services Operations and Readiness) establishes policy and assigns responsibilities for matters related to health services operations, and readiness, including, but not limited to medical manpower, medical personnel, medical compensation, military medical training, medical logistics, and the Armed Services Blood Program. 2. DODI 6000.13, dated 30 June 1997, prescribed policy and procedures in granting entry-grade credit to any person appointed, assigned, or designated as a health professions officer in the Military Departments. Paragraph 6 (Procedures), provides in: a. Paragraph 6.1 (Entry Grade Credit), a prospective health professions officer's entry grade and rank within grade shall be determined by the number of years of entry grade credit awarded on original appointment, designation, or assignment as a health professions officer. The entry grade credit to be awarded shall equal the sum of constructive service credit and prior commissioned service credit (other than as a commissioned warrant officer), except in cases where the total exceeds the maximum credit allowed, as stated in paragraph 6.1.3 (Maximum Entry Grade Credit). A period of time shall be counted only once when computing entry grade credit, and qualifying periods of less than one full year shall be proportionately credited to the nearest day, except where noted otherwise. Subparagraph 6.1.1.2, shows service on active duty or in an active status as a commissioned officer in any of the Uniformed Services, but not in the corps or professional specialty in which being appointed, shall be awarded one-half day of credit for each day served in the case of individuals seeking an original appointment as a health professions officer. b. Paragraph 6.1.2 (Constructive Service Credit), this credit provides a person who begins commissioned service after obtaining the additional education, training, or experience required for appointment, designation, or assignment as an officer in a health profession, with a grade and DOR comparable to that attained by officers who begin commissioned service after getting a baccalaureate degree and serve for the period of time it would take to obtain the additional education. Constructive service credit shall be determined according to the following guidelines: (1) Subparagraph 6.1.2.2.1, four years of constructive service credit shall be granted for completion of first professional degrees that include medical (MD), osteopathy (DO), dental (DDS or DMD), optometry (OD), podiatry (PodD or DP), veterinary (DVM), and pharmacy (PhD). (2) Subparagraph 6.1.2.2.2, credit for master's and doctorate degrees in a health profession other than medicine and dentistry, whether it is the primary degree or an additional advanced degree, shall be awarded based on actual full-time equivalent education of up to 2 years for a master's degree and up to 4 years for a doctorate. Credit may not include time spent in attainment of baccalaureate or other lower degrees. No additional credit may be given for more than one advanced degree in a single field, or closely related field. The total credit allowed for having both a master's and a doctorate degree may not exceed the maximum allowed for a doctorate. (3) Subparagraph 6.1.2.2.3, the additional degree must add adjunctive skills to the primary specialty and must contribute directly to performance in the anticipated position in the Military Service concerned. 3. DODI 6000.13 (Accession and Retention Policies, Programs, and Incentives for Military Health Professions Officers), effective 30 December 2015, incorporating Change 1, effective 3 May 2016, in pertinent part, prescribes policy and procedures in granting entry-grade credit to any person appointed, assigned, or designated as a health professions officer in the Military Departments. Enclosure 3 (Procedures), paragraph 1 (Entry Grade Credit), shows a prospective health professions officer's entry grade and rank within grade will be determined by the number of years of entry grade credit awarded on original appointment, designation, or assignment as a health professions officer. a. Administration: The entry grade credit to be awarded will equal the sum of constructive service credit and prior commissioned service credit for service other than as a commissioned warrant officer up to the maximum credit allowed, as stated in subparagraph 1e (Maximum Entry Grade Credit). A period of time will be counted only once when computing entry grade credit, and qualifying periods of less than one full year will be proportionately credited to the nearest day, except where noted otherwise. b. Prior Commissioned Service Credit: Credit for prior service as a commissioned officer, other than as a commissioned warrant officer, will be granted to recognize previous commissioned experience, while maintaining cognizance of the level of professional knowledge, skill, and experience required at specific grade levels of each health profession. Credit will be awarded equitably and consistently. It shows, in pertinent part, grant one-half day of credit for each day of active commissioned service as a commissioned officer, but not in the profession in which the person is being appointed. c. Constructive Service Credit: This credit is awarded to a person who begins commissioned service after obtaining the additional education, training, or experience required for appointment, designation, or assignment as a health professions officer. The designation will be to the same grade and DOR comparable to that attained by officers who begin commissioned service after getting a baccalaureate degree and serve for the period of time it would take to obtain the additional education. Constructive service credit will only be used to determine initial grade, rank in grade, and service in grade for promotion eligibility. (1) Subparagraph (3), 1 year of constructive service credit will be granted for each year of graduate level education toward the first professional degree completed when that degree is required for appointment in the professional specialty being entered. The maximum number of years of constructive service credit that may be awarded under this provision is the number of years of graduate level education required by a majority of institutions that award degrees in that professional field. (2) Subparagraph (3)(a), the Secretary concerned may direct that doctors of medicine (MD), doctors of osteopathic medicine (DO), doctors of dental surgery (DDS or DMD) and doctors of dental medicine (DMD), doctors of veterinary medicine (DVM or VMD), or other recipients of advanced health professional degrees that typically require 4 years to complete, be given sufficient constructive service credit to allow appointment to the grade of O-3 in a Regular or Reserve Component. (3) Subparagraph (3)(b), credit for master's and doctorate degrees in a health profession (other than those listed directly above), may be awarded based on actual full-time equivalent education of up to 2 years for a master's degree and up to 4 years for a doctorate degree. Credit may not include time spent in attainment of baccalaureate or other lower degrees. No additional credit may be given for more than one advanced degree in a single field or closely related field. The total credit allowed for having both a master's and a doctorate degree may not exceed the maximum allowed for a doctorate. (4) Subparagraph (4), credit will be awarded for any period of advanced education in a health profession (other than medicine and dentistry) beyond the baccalaureate degree level that exceeds the basic education required for the appointment, if such advanced education will be directly used by the Military Department concerned. 4. Army Regulation 135-101 (Appointment of Reserve Commissioned Officers for Assignment to Army Medical Department (AMEDD) Branches) prescribes policy, procedures, and eligibility criteria for appointment of commissioned officers in the Reserve Components of the Army, with or without concurrent active duty, in the six branches of the AMEDD. Chapter 3 (Grade Determination) shows an entry grade of CPT is authorized based on credit of 4 years or more, but less than 14 years. a. Figure/Table 3-1 (Constructive Service Credit) shows 4 years of credit for the basic qualifying degree of an MD. b. Figure/Table 3-2 (Computation of Prior Active Commissioned Service Credit), in pertinent part, shows for the MS, grant one-half year of credit for each year of active commissioned service in other than the specialty in which being appointed. c. Figure/Table 3-3 (Credit for Qualifying Degree or Discipline) lists the qualifying degrees of discipline and the credit for the level of degree (i.e., baccalaureate, master's, and doctorate). Under the Master's Level Credit column, it does not list Biotechnology or Biological Sciences as a degree of discipline authorized constructive credit. d. Figure/Table 3-4 (Credit for Additional Advanced Degrees) lists the advanced degrees that may qualify for additional constructive service. It does not list Biotechnology or Biological Sciences. e. Further review of the regulation failed to reveal authorization for additional (adjunctive) constructive credit based on a master's degree in Biotechnology or Biological Sciences. 5. The U.S. Army "Go Army" website (http://www.goarmy.com/career-and-jobs) for AMEDD MC jobs shows AOC 60W, psychiatrists, are responsible for examining, diagnosing and treating or prescribing course of treatment for personnel suffering from emotional or mental illness, intellectual disabilities, or situational maladjustment. a. Training requirements include, doctor of medicine or doctor of osteopathy degree from an accredited United States school of medicine or osteopathy; current license to practice medicine in the United States, District of Columbia or Puerto Rico; eligibility for board certification; completion of at least one year of an approved graduate medical education internship; and completion of a training program in psychiatry or residency in the United States. b. Job-related duties include: * conduct and supervise direct patient care * plan and execute disease prevention and health promotion programs * perform special staff functions in health support for commanders * conduct medical research on diseases of military importance * conduct, supervise and participate in GME and training of other medical personnel needed to sustain a robust and readily available medical system DISCUSSION: 1. The applicant's contention that his records should be corrected to show he was appointed in the grade of CPT with additional constructive service credit and an appropriate DOR was carefully considered. 2. The evidence of record shows the following: * 20 May 2006 – Appointed RA, CPT, MS * 30 May 2009 – MS (Biotechnology) degree conferred * 21 May 2010 – Discharged (4 years and 2 days active duty service) * 22 May 2010 – Appointed USAR, CPT, MS * 24 May 2012 – MA (Biological Sciences) degree conferred * 6 August 2012 – Appointed RA, 2LT, MS to attend USUHS * 8 December 2015 – DA Form 5074-R, appointment (i.e., CPT, MC, AOC 60W); constructive service credit: "06 years, 00 months, 01 day" * 21 May 2016 – MD degree conferred 3. Prior to completing his medical degree and receiving his MC appointment, a DA Form 5074-R was completed on 8 December 2015. He was awarded constructive service credit of: * 2 years and 1 day for his commission officer (MS) service from 20 May 2006 to 21 May 2010 (i.e., one-half year formula) * 4 years for his training at USUHS from 6 August 2012 to 21 May 2016 (year-for-year formula) * 6 years and 1 day of total constructive service credit 4. DODI 6000.13 was reissued with an effective 30 December 2015, and incorporated Change 1, effective 3 May 2016. 5. On 21 May 2016, the applicant was appointed as a commissioned officer in the RA, in the rank of CPT (MC), based on 4 years of entry credit. He was also issued a DOR of 21 May 2014 based on 2 years of credit for his active service as a commissioned officer, but not in the profession in which he was is being appointed. 6. On 1 June 2017, the OTSG advisory official confirmed that the constructive service credit governing directive in effect at the time (i.e., DODI 6000.13, dated 30 June 1997) was used to determine the applicant's constructive service credit. a. This was procedurally correct since the revised DODI was not yet effective. However, it is reasonable to conclude that the OTSG would have been aware of the contents of the soon to be released DODI and its impact on determining the applicant's constructive service credit upon his entry on active duty (on 21 May 2016). b. The GME PM reviewed the applicant's request for constructive credit based on an MS degree in Biotechnology and a MA degree in Biological Sciences. (1) He stated a master's degree is not a prerequisite for medical school, a Psychiatry residency, or appointment as an MC officer in the U.S. Army. In addition, a medical officer requires an MD degree only; an MS or MA is not a prerequisite for appointment. (2) The PM GME, OTSG, recommended denial of the applicant's request for additional credit for the master's degrees. 7. The evidence of record shows constructive service credit will be granted for each year of graduate level education toward the first professional degree completed when that degree is required for appointment in the professional specialty being entered. 8. The evidence of record shows no credit is awarded unless the degree of discipline is listed in Army Regulation 135-101, Table 3-3 (and indicated with an "X" in the appropriate column). The governing regulation fails to show additional (adjunctive) constructive credit is authorized for the applicant's MS degree in Biotechnology or his MA degree in Biological Sciences for Psychiatry. 9. The referenced ABCMR Record of Proceedings was considered. However, the case pertained to an MC officer appointed in 1983 and in a different AOC specialty than the applicant. In addition, the governing DODI in effect at the time was a different version of DODI 6000.13 than the version governing the applicant's case. As such, that ABCMR case does not serve as a precedent and it is not dispositive of this case. 10. The PM, GME, OTSG, confirmed that there were no errors found in the record that granted the applicant constructive credit. A review of the DOD guidance and applicable regulation supports the opinion of the advisory official. /NOTHING FOLLOWS// ABCMR Record of Proceedings AR20150000953 Enclosure 1 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20160013013 2 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Enclosure 1 ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20160013013 2 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Enclosure 2