RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS

IN THE MATTER OF				DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2017-04435

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX				COUNSEL: NONE

							HEARING: NO 

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

Her character of service be changed from uncharacterized to honorable.

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

Her medical records noted her inability to continue training due to an injury incurred while in basic military training (BMT).  Her uncharacterized service implies she served dishonorably or has done something to disgrace the Air Force.  The applicant’s complete submission is at Exhibit A.

STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant is a former Air Force airman basic.  

On 21 Feb 96, the applicant arrived at Lackland AFB for BMT.  She began having knee pain during the first week of training.

On 2 Apr 96, the applicant’s doctor indicated her knee condition was felt to be an existing-prior-to-service (EPTS) condition, and advised separation. 

On 9 Apr 96, the applicant was notified of the commander’s intent to recommend the applicant be discharged from the Air Force.

On 9 Apr 96, the applicant acknowledged receipt of the action and elected to not submit a statement on her behalf.

On 10 Apr 96, the discharge authority approved the recommendation.  

On 12 Apr 96, the applicant was furnished an Entry Level Separation for failed medical/physical procurement standards, with an uncharacterized Character of Service.

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

AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

SAF Medical Consultant recommends denying the application.  

The applicant’s pre-existing genu valgus and pes planus undoubtedly played some role in the path-ogenesis of her pain; notwithstanding the self-report of experiencing some difficulties prior to entering military service.  Her medical condition was not permanently aggravated by military service.  With respect to the applicant’s Uncharacterized service, this administrative designation was made consistent with Air Force policies.  However, according to AFI 36-3208, Administrative Separation of Airmen, paragraph 1.19.1.2, the Secretary may determine, “on a case-by-case basis, that characterization as honorable is clearly warranted by unusual circumstances of personal conduct and performance of military duty.”  This characterization is used if, among other reasons, under subparagraph 1.19.1.2.3, the individual is being discharged “for disability according to AFI 36-2902 (formerly AFR 35-4).”  Recommend the Board exercise its discretion in determining whether or not to change the applicant’s character of service to Honorable, but with no change in reason for discharge.  The complete advisory is at Exhibit C.

AFPC/DP2STM recommends denying the application.

The applicant was discharged under the provisions of AFI 36-3208.  Airmen are given Entry-level separation/Uncharacterized service characterization when separation is initiated in the first 180 days continuous active service.  The Department of Defense (DoD) determined if a member served less than 180 days continuous active service, it would be unfair to the member and the service to characterize their limited service.  Based on review of the applicant’s request and the master of personnel record, there is no error or injustice with the discharge processing.  The complete advisory is at Exhibit D.

APPLICANT’S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The Board sent a copy of the Air Force evaluation to the applicant on 21 Aug 18 for comment (Exhibit E), but has received no response. 

THE BOARD CONCLUDES:

1.  The application was not timely file.

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 SAF Medical Consultant and AFPC/DP2STM and finds that a preponderance of the evidence does not substantiate the applicant’s contentions.  The Board also notes the applicant did not file the application within three years after the alleged error or injustice was discovered, or should have been discovered, as required by Title 10, United States Code, Section 1552, and Air Force Instruction 36-2603, Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records (AFBCMR).  While the applicant asserts a date of discovery less than three years before the Board’s receipt of the application, the Board does not find the assertion reasonable.  The Board finds the application untimely and concludes it would not be in the interest of justice to excuse the delay.  Therefore, the Board recommends against correcting the applicant’s records.

THE BOARD RECOMMENDS:  

The applicant be informed that the application was not timely filed; it would not be in the interest of justice to excuse the delay; 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-2017-04435 in Executive Session on 2 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 22 Sep 17.
Exhibit B:  Documentary evidence, including relevant excerpts from official records.
Exhibit C:  Advisory opinion, SAF Medical Consultant, dated 10 Aug 18.
Exhibit D:  Advisory opinion, AFPC/DP2STM, dated 13 Aug 18.
Exhibit E:  Notification of Advisory, SAF/MRBC to applicant, dated 21 Aug 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.