RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS. IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2015-00622 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: NO APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: His Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) coverage type be changed from “Child” to “Wife.” APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: He always intended for his wife to receive 55% of his military retirement pay for the rest of her life after his passing. He was recently informed by Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) that if he were to die today, his child would receive his survivor benefit of 55% of his retirement pay and only until such time that she turns age 22. He believes this to be unjust because his wife should receive the survivor benefit and he is willing to pay the associated catch-up costs to make this change. The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A. STATEMENT OF FACTS: On 31 Aug 98, the applicant retired in the grade of captain (O-3). On 23 Feb 15, the AFBCMR marital status affidavit was forwarded to the applicant (Exhibit C). On 4 Mar 15, the applicant and his spouse returned notarized affidavits, indicating they married 5 Jun 82 (Exhibit D). 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 E. AIR FORCE EVALUATION: AFPC/DPFFF recommends denial indicating there is no evidence of an error or an injustice. The applicant made a valid SBP election for child only coverage with his wife’s concurrence. It was the applicant’s responsibility to elect the SBP coverage that best suited his family at that time. His wife’s signature in section XI of the DD Form 2656, Data For Payment of Retired Personnel, indicates her acknowledgement of the decision to elect child only SBP coverage and she received information that explains the options available and effects of those options. The member offers no explanation for failing to question or take corrective action during the 16 years he was not paying spouse SBP premiums. The applicant had three opportunities to elect SBP coverage for his wife, but failed to do so. Approval of this request would provide the applicant an additional opportunity to elect SBP coverage not afforded other retirees similarly situated and is not justified. The complete DPFFF evaluation is at Exhibit E. APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION: A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 19 Jun 15 for review and comment within 30 days (Exhibit F). 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 not timely filed; however, it is in the interest of justice to excuse the failure to timely file. 3. Insufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of an error or injustice. We took notice of the applicant’s complete submission, including attachments, in judging the merits of the case; however, we agree with the opinion and recommendation of the Air Force OPR and adopt its rationale as the basis for our conclusion the applicant has not been the victim of an error of injustice. While we acknowledge the applicant’s request to change his Survivor Benefit Program coverage, we do not believe he has demonstrated evidence of an injustice, as compared to others in his similar situation. 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 documentary evidence pertaining to AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2015-00622 was considered: Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 9 Feb 15, w/atchs. Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records. Exhibit C. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 23 Feb 15. Exhibit D. Letter, Applicant, dated 4 Mar 15. Exhibit E. Memorandum, AFPC/DPFFF, dated 20 Mar 15. Exhibit F. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 19 Jun 15.