RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2017-00219

	COUNSEL: 

  	HEARING: NO

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His Reentry (RE) code “2C” which denotes “Involuntarily separated with an honorable discharge or entry level separation (ELS) without a characterization of service” and narrative reason for separation of “Erroneous Entry” be changed to permit reenlistment in the Armed Forces.

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He was discharged for Otosclerosis, a malformation of the stapes bone in his right ear.  The narrative reason for separation is unjust as he was unaware he had the condition.  

On 20 Jan 16, he had surgery and no longer has the condition.  The problem was corrected.

The applicant’s complete submission is at Exhibit A.

STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant is a former airman basic.  

On 6 Oct 15, the applicant was notified of his commander’s intent to recommend he be discharged with an ELS.  The applicant was diagnosed with hearing loss in his right ear, a medically disqualifying condition.  The physician determined the condition existed prior to service (EPTS) and that he would likely have not been allowed to enter service had the condition been known at the time of his enlistment.  The applicant’s request for a medical waiver from the Air Education and Training Command Surgeon General (AETC/SG) was denied on 23 Sep 15.  As a result, he was removed from training and recommended for discharge in accordance with Air Force policy.   Other derogatory information considered, but not the basis for discharge was a letter of reprimand (LOR) dated 16 Sep 15 for failure to go to his place of duty (classroom) as directed.

On 15 Oct 15, the discharge recommendation was found legally sufficient.  

On 30 Oct 15, the discharge authority approved the recommendation for discharge.

On 3 Nov 15, he was discharged with an ELS after serving 3 months and 27 days of active duty service.  

The applicant provides medical documentation and a letter from his physician dated 7 Mar 16, which shows he had surgery on his right ear on 20 Jan 16.  

For more information, see the excerpt of the applicant’s record at Exhibit B and the advisory opinions at Exhibits C and D.

AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DP2STM recommends denial.  The commander received a report from the medical authorities indicating he had a disqualifying EPTS medical condition.  Airmen are given ELS with uncharacterized service characterization when separation is initiated in the first 180 days of active service.  The complete advisory is at Exhibit C.

AFPC/DP2SSM recommends denial for change of his RE code.  The RE code “2C” is not based on his medical condition but his involuntary ELS.  The complete advisory is at Exhibit D.  

APPLICANT’S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The Board sent copies of the Air Force evaluations to the applicant on 6 Dec 17 for comment (Exhibit E), but has received no response.

THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT:

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 the rationale and recommendation of AFPC/DP2STM and AFPC/DP2SSM 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 THAT:

The applicant be informed the evidence did not demonstrate material error or injustice, and the application will only be reconsidered upon receipt of relevant evidence not already considered by the Board.

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 Docket Number BC-2017-00219 in Executive Session on 22 May 18:

All members voted not to correct the record.  The panel considered the following:

Exhibit A:	Application, DD Form 149, w/atchs, dated 23 Jan 17.
Exhibit B:	Documentary evidence, including relevant excerpts from official records.
Exhibit C:	Advisory opinion, AFPC/DP2STM, dated 30 Nov 17.
Exhibit D.  Advisory opinion, AFPC/DP2SSM, dated 1 Dec 17.
Exhibit D:	Notification of Advisory, SAF/MRBC to applicant, dated 6 Dec 17.

Taken together with all Exhibits, this document constitutes the true and complete Record of Proceedings required by AFI 36-2603, paragraph 4.11.9.