RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2017-01916

	COUNSEL: NONE

	HEARING: YES

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His request to transfer Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefits be backdated to 15 Mar 13.

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He was unable to complete his transfer of education benefits (TEB) due to repeated system issues.  The applicant’s complete submission is at Exhibit A.

STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant is a retired Air Force major.  For more information, see the excerpt of the applicant’s record at Exhibit B and the advisory at Exhibit C.

AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

ARPC/DPTT recommends denying the application.  The applicant elected to retire prior to his service obligation end date.  On 16 Jul 13, the applicant elected to transfer education benefits to his dependents and incurred a four-year service obligation to 15 Jul 17.  The applicant signed the Post 9/11 GI Bill Transfer of Educational Benefits Statement of Understanding (SOU) agreeing to the four-year service obligation.  There is no evidence showing the applicant applied to transfer benefits on the Milconnect web site prior to 16 Jul 13.  Furthermore, there is no evidence the applicant attempted to contact ARPC for education counseling or guidance regarding any system issues.  The applicant retired on 1 Apr 17.  The complete advisory is at Exhibit C.

APPLICANT’S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The Board sent a copy of the Air Force evaluation to the applicant on 20 Mar 18 for comment (Exhibit D), 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 and injustice.  The Board concurs with the rationale and recommendation of ARPC/DPTT 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.

4.  The applicant has not shown that a personal appearance with or without counsel will materially add to the Board’s understanding of the issues involved.

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.

The application was adjudicated without a personal appearance.

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-2017-01916 in Executive Session on 25 Oct 18:

, Panel Chair
, Panel Member
, Panel Member

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

Exhibit A:	Application, DD Form 149, w/atchs, dated 6 Apr 17.
Exhibit B:	Documentary evidence, including relevant excerpts from official records.
Exhibit C:	Advisory opinion, ARPC/DPTT, w/atchs dated 16 Feb 18.
Exhibit D:	Notification of Advisory, SAF/MRBC to applicant, dated 20 Mar 18.

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