RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2014-00903 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: NO APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: His current Military Housing Area (MHA) area of Riverside, California (CA) be corrected to reflect his previous MHA of Los Angeles, CA effective 14 Oct 06. APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: On 14 Oct 06, he completed a Low Cost/No Cost Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move, which changed his MHA from Los Angeles, CA to Riverside, CA. In accordance with the Joint Federal Travel Regulation (JFTR), paragraph U10402-B.1, on 23 Aug 13, he submitted a Low Cost/No Cost Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) waiver to maintain his previous MHA of Los Angeles, CA. The Board should consider his untimely application because he was unaware he could apply for a BAH waiver until Aug 13. In support of his request, the applicant provides copies of excerpts from the JFTR, memorandums, and orders. The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A. STATEMENT OF FACTS: The applicant is currently serving on active duty in the grade of master sergeant. According to Special Order (SO), AB-036, dated 9 Nov 04, the applicant was ordered to Extended Active Duty (EAD), from Chino Hills, CA, to Los Angeles, CA, effective 23 Nov 04, for a period of four years. According to SO AB-017, dated 25 Oct 06, the applicant was reassigned to March Air Reserve Base (ARB), CA, effective 14 Oct 06. Subsequently, his tour was extended by SO AB-052, dated 20 Nov 07; SO AB-055, dated 2 Nov 09 and SO AB-090, dated 17 Dec 12, all with a PCS Identification (PCS ID) of “V,”, which denotes a Low Cost Move. According to an AF/A1PA memorandum, dated 23 Aug 13, the applicant submitted a BAH waiver for a Low Cost/No Cost Move to receive the BAH rate for his previous duty station of Pomona, CA, effective 14 Oct 06. On 13 Feb 14, AF/A1PA notified the applicant that his BAH waiver was disapproved due to its age, particularly in light of the open question about appropriate funding availability to cover an approval. Also, A1PA noted the applicant needed to submit a request to the Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records. AIR FORCE EVALUATION: AF/A1PA recommends approval. The applicant’s 2006 orders to March ARB, CA reflects PCS ID “V” and was considered a Low Cost/No Cost move; therefore, he could have requested a housing waiver, via the Secretarial process, in accordance with JFTR paragraph U10402-B. Assuming the waiver had been granted, he would have been entitled to retain the higher BAH rate that was applicable to his prior duty station at Los Angeles, CA. If the BAH rate increased, based on annual rate adjustments, he would have automatically been entitled to the upward adjustment. JFTR, paragraph U10402-B, entitled “Members with Dependent” authorizes a Service to pay BAH based on the old Permanent Duty Station (PDS) rate in situations involving Low Cost/No Cost moves. It has been Air Force practice to provide waivers for Low Cost/No Cost moves through the Secretarial process. The applicant’s move met the requirements for Low Cost/No Cost housing waivers and would have been approved by A1PA had his request not been beyond the funding availability period. The complete A1PA evaluation, with attachments, is at Exhibit B. APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION: A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 4 Aug 14, for review and comment within 30 days (Exhibit C). 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. Sufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of an injustice. Having carefully reviewed this application, we agree with the recommendation of the Air Force office of primary responsibility and adopt the rationale expressed as the basis for our decision that the applicant has been the victim of either an error or an injustice. Therefore, we recommend the applicant’s records be corrected as indicated below. THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT: The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to the APPLICANT be corrected to show his current Military Housing Area (MHA) of Riverside, CA (CA041) be corrected to reflect his previous MHA of Los Angeles, California (CA037), effective 14 Oct 06, for the purpose of Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH). The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2014-00903 in Executive Session on 15 Jan 15, 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 18 Feb 14, w/atchs. Exhibit B. Letter, AF/A1PA, dated 20 Jun 14, w/atchs. Exhibit C. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 4 Aug 14.