RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 

AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS 

 

IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2011-00874 

 COUNSEL: NONE 

 HEARING DESIRED: NO 

 

_________________________________________________________________ 

 

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: 

 

His records be corrected to allow him to participate in the 
Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) Increased Benefit Contribution Program. 

 

_________________________________________________________________ 

 

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: 

 

During his out-processing, he requested a $600.00 deduction 
(reflected on his attached finance worksheet – AF Form 3500, Separation Pay Worksheet) be deducted from his final pay to go 
towards the MGIB Increased Benefit Contribution Program (also 
known as MGIB Bill buy-up or kicker program). 

 

The payment was never made by his servicing finance office which 
has prevented him from receiving his full educational benefits, 
resulting in $5,000.00 to $6,000.00 in lost educational tuition 
payments. 

 

He completed the DD Form 2366-1, Montgomery GI Bill Act of 1985 - Increased Benefit Contribution Program, which supports his intent 
and desire to pay the $600.00 in order to receive the educational 
benefits. However, his final Leave and Earnings Statement (LES) 
1-30 Sep 07, does not reflect the $600.00 deduction. He should 
be allowed to make a back-dated payment of $600.00. 

 

In support of his request, the applicant provides copies of a 
letter addressed to the Defense Finance and Accounting Services 
(DFAS) Claims Service, his LES, AF Form 350, Finance Out-
Processing Worksheet, DD Form 2366-1, and email correspondence. 

 

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

 

_________________________________________________________________ 

 

STATEMENT OF FACTS: 

 

The relevant facts pertaining to this application are contained 
in the letter prepared by the appropriate office of the Air Force 
at Exhibit B. Accordingly, there is no need to recite these 
facts in this Record of Proceedings. 

 

_________________________________________________________________ 

 


AIR FORCE EVALUATION: 

 

AFPC/DPSIT recommends denial. DPSIT states although the 
applicant may have been capable of paying the $600.00, there was 
no money ever collected from finance, which was confirmed in a 
pay history review by DFAS. 

 

The fact the education center completed the DD Form 2366-1, does 
not confirm enrollment in the MGIB buy-up program. The applicant 
had to take the form to the finance office and actually make the 
contribution. The finance office would confirm the contribution 
by providing the applicant with a DD Form 1131, Cash Collection 
Voucher, and/or annotating the DD Form 1131. This in turn would 
drive a Joint Uniform Military Pay (JUMPS) transaction to DFAS. 

 

The complete DPSIT evaluation is at Exhibit B. 

 

_________________________________________________________________ 

 

APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION: 

 

On 15 Jul 11, a copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to 
the applicant for review and comment within 30 days. To date, a 
response has not been received (Exhibit C). 

 

_________________________________________________________________ 

 

THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT: 

 

1. The applicant has exhausted all remedies provided by existing 
law or regulations. 

 

2. The application was not timely filed; however, it is in the 
interest of justice to excuse the failure to timely file. 

 

3. Sufficient relevant evidence has been presented to 
demonstrate the existence of error or injustice that would 
warrant relief in this case. The applicant contends since he 
completed the paperwork requesting the $600.00 deduction prior to 
being released from active duty that he should receive his full 
education benefits. We note the law states that a member must 
make the election and pay the associated costs while serving on 
active duty. However, based on the evidence provided, we believe 
the applicant thought he completed all the necessary requirements 
for this program and we find no basis to question the applicant's 
account in this matter and do not find it reasonable that he 
would have knowingly elected not to pursue use of this important 
entitlement. Therefore, we elect to resolve any doubt in this 
matter in behalf of the applicant and recommend the records be 
corrected as indicated below. 

 

_________________________________________________________________ 

 

THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT: 

 


The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force 
relating to APPLICANT, be corrected to show that contingent upon 
his payment of the required minimum contribution, that on 27 May 
2007, he elected to participate in the Montgomery GI Bill 
Increased Benefit Contribution Program. 

 

_________________________________________________________________ 

 

The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket 
Number BC-2011-00874 in Executive Session on 22 Sep 11, under the 
provisions of AFI 36-2603: 

 

Panel Chair 

Member 

Member 

 

All members voted to correct the records, as recommended. The 
following documentary evidence was considered: 

 

 Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 3 Mar 11, w/atchs. 

 Exhibit B. Letter, AFPC/DPSIT, dated 28 Jun 11. 

 Exhibit C. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 15 Jul 11. 

 

 

 

 

 Panel Chair