IN THE CASE OF: BOARD DATE: 7 July 2020 DOCKET NUMBER: AR20170017731 THE BOARD CONSIDERED THE FOLLOWING EVIDENCE: 1. Application for correction of military records (with supporting documents provided, if any). 2. Military Personnel Records and advisory opinions (if any). THE APPLICANT'S REQUEST, STATEMENT, AND EVIDENCE: 1. The applicant requests correction of his military record to show he received one year of constructive service credit (CSC) for obtaining his Masters of Public Health (MPH) degree. 2. The applicant states pursuant to Army Regulation 135-101 (Appointment of Reserve Commissioned Officers for Assignment to Army Medical Department Branches) and Department of Defense Instruction (DoDI) 6000.13 (Medical Manpower and Personnel), he respectfully requests one year of CSC for obtaining his MPH from the West Virginia School of Public Health. a. On 17 May 2015, he was appointed as a commissioned officer in the rank and grade of captain (CPT)/O-3 in the specialty of Family Medicine. At the time of his appointment, he received CSC only for his Medical Doctorate (MD) Degree. His MD degree was achieved through the Department of the Army's F. Edward Hebert Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship (HPSP), fully funded by the Department of the Army. b. At the time of his appointment, he did not receive CSC for his MPH. His MPH was achieved without financial support from the Department of the Army. In order to attain the MPH degree, he took on student loans in excess of $30,000.00 to cover his educational and living expenses. Pursuant to Army Regulation 135-101, CSC is determined and awarded at the time of appointment, which for him was 17 May 2015. c. His approved plan of study with both West Virginia University (WVU) and the Department of the Army to obtain his MD and, through a leave of absence from his MD Program, his MPH was as follows: (1) On 9 August 2010, he began his MD education at WVU School of Medicine. On 15 June 2013, he was granted an educational leave of absence from his MD Program for the period of precisely one calendar year to pursue a program of study resulting in the achievement of an MPH degree. (1a) This program of study was not a concurrent degree program. There was no overlap in time or of academic credits between the two individual degree programs. See Army Regulation 135-101, Table 3-1, Number 4 ("additional degree must not have been earned concurrently with primary credential)." All requirements for the MPH degree were complete on 15 June 2014. His MPH degree was formally awarded in August 2014, after he resumed his MD studies, solely due to the fact that WVU formally awarded degrees only three times each year. As a result, the first opportunity to formally award his MPH degree after completing his MPH studies was in August 2014, at which time he resumed his M.D. studies. (1b) His MPH degree was pursued at the West Virginia School of Public Health, a wholly different school than the West Virginia School of Medicine at which he was pursuing his MD degree. This program of study was approved by Colonel (COL) N_, Director, Medical Education, Department of the Army. (2) During his one year leave of absence from his MD program, he successfully completed his MPH degree and rejoined the MD program exactly one calendar year later. His degree was formally conferred from the West Virginia School of Public Health on 15 August 2014. (3) After his leave of absence to obtain his MPH from the West Virginia School of Public Health, he returned to his studies at the West Virginia School of Medicine and was awarded his MD degree on 17 May 2015. d. DoD and Army Regulations provide that he receive a one-year CSC for receipt of his MPH. Army Regulation 135-101, Table 3-1 (4) states, "Additional degree must not have been earned concurrently with primary credential. No additional credit will be given for more than one degree in a single field." (1) Obtaining his MPH degree was done separately and distinctly from his MD degree both in time as well as in geography. His MPH credential was obtained during a one calendar [year] leave of absence from medical school and was obtained in a different geographic location: e.g. at the WVU School of Public Health versus the WVU School of Medicine. His degree was not funded by the Army. He received no support either monetary or otherwise from the DoD during that one year period. (2) The MD and MPH degrees are tangentially related, but are substantively different degrees in independent disciplines of study. While the MD degree teaches and prepares physicians for clinical medicine, the MPH degree enables a physician to care for populations through a greater understanding of how decisions made for individual patients clinically shape outcomes for the entire population as a whole. An MPH degree aids physicians in bridging the gap between patient care and community well-being. The two degrees have never been seen as overlapping in the academic medical community but are rather viewed as being adjunctive to one another. This is evidenced by the many physicians both in military and civilian practice who seek out an MPH later in their medical careers. Both the OTSG as well as the Army Board for Correction of Military Records (ABCMR) have granted CSC for previous physicians who obtained their MPH degrees non-concurrently with their medical degree. (3) DoDI 6000.13, paragraph 6.1.2.2.2., which was in effect when he was appointed on 17 May 2015, provides, "Credit for master's and doctorate degrees in a health profession other than medicine and dentistry, whether it is the primary degree or an additional advanced degree, shall be awarded based on actual full- time equivalent education of up to two years for a master's degree and up to four years for a doctorate." Although an updated version of DoDI 6000.13 became effective 30 December 2015, his case is governed under the 1997 version of the DoDI due to his commissioning on 17 May 2015. (3a) He engaged in an accelerated period of study to achieve his MPH degree which is traditionally awarded after two years of study, in just one calendar year. (3b) He should receive one year of CSC based on his actual full-time one year course of study in the MPH degree program. e. DoDI 6000.13, in effect at the time, provides "The additional degree must add adjunctive skills to the primary specialty and must contribute directly to performance in the anticipated position in the Military Service concerned." The MPH degree contributes directly to his performance as an Army Medical Corps officer. In his daily practice as an Army Family Medicine Physician in-training, he utilizes many of the skills and talents which were honed during his MPH education. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Public Health Association; Public Health is the science of protecting and improving the health of communities through promotion of healthy lifestyles, research for disease and injury prevention and detection and control of infectious diseases. Focus in this field includes, but is not limited to: * Monitoring health status of populations * Detecting and investigating health problems * Conducting research to enhance prevention * Developing and advocating for health policies * Implementing disease prevention strategies * Promoting healthy behaviors * Fostering safe environments; and * Providing health leadership and training f. The items delineated above define many of the aspects of his job as a physician, which he carries out each and every day as an Army Medical Corps (MC) Officer and very well illustrate the adjunctive skills that this degree adds to his primary medical degree and medical specialty training. Additionally, his MPH specialization was in the area of occupational health. It is well known that the DoD has been named the largest employer in the world with over 3.2 million employees and his skills in occupational medicine will enhance his ability to care for eligible DoD beneficiaries. g. Additionally, the enclosed letters of support prove that his MPH degree adds adjunctive skills to his primary Family Medicine Specialty and contributes directly to his performance as a Family Medicine practitioner. (1) COL S_, Director of Medical Education at Dwight David Eisenhower Army Medical Center (DDEAMC), also holds a MPH in addition to a M.D. in Family Medicine. He writes in his letter which supports awarding him one year CSC, "As a family physician myself, as well as a holder of the MPH degree, I can vouch for the direct benefit of having an MPH will have on [the applicant's] career in Family Medicine." He continues, "The added experience of being an MPH will give [the applicant] added insight in the population health, preventive medicine, process improvement, and the translation of research findings to patient population. These are all fundamental skills of a family physician. Therefore, his MPH will be directly used in his role as an Army Physician and by the Army Medical Department. Having an MPH will directly enhance his performance of his role in the garrison and, especially, the combat environments. There is no doubt that his possession of an MPH degree will be of exceptional benefit to the Soldier he cares for in the future and the Army at large." (2) Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) L_, Deputy Commander for Medical Services, DDEAMC, writes in his letter that he also supports awarding him with CSC for his MPH degree. LTC L_ provides, "The degree of MPH is extremely valuable to the career of an Army physician. It is a mark of distinction which identifies an individual who possesses the clinical and research skills to address complex medical questions at the population level to include preventative medicine. These skills derived from his MPH will be directly used in his role as an Army Physician and by the Army Medical Department (AMEDD). With readiness being the primary mission of the Army, being able to call upon a physician with the abilities to identify medical threats to readiness at the battalion, brigade and division level is indispensable. [The applicant] has the potential to fill this vital need." (3) LTC F_, IV, Program Director, Family Medicine Residency, DDEAMC, writes in his letter also supporting awarding him CSC for his MPH degree, "[The applicant's] MPH significantly adds to our family medicine specialty. Indeed, his knowledge and application of the MPH principles have enhanced our board review series, provided instruction to his peers regarding approaching evidence-based practices, and given him a unique ability to produce medical literature while in residency. These skills derived from his MPH will be directly used in his role as an Army Physician and by AMEDD. In the future, his MPH will allow him to pursue leadership roles in public health dimensions essential to the health of the fighting force." h. According to Department of the Army Pamphlet (DA PAM) 600-4 (AMEDD Officer Development and Career Management), Figure 9-1, an MPH degree is an example of an additional funded training opportunity available for a candidate to pursue from between active duty years 6-12 in the Medical Corps Active Army life cycle of development and utilization. The duty description for Family Medicine Physicians per DA PAM 600-4 is as follows: "Provides comprehensive care to patients at each echelon of the health service support system: cares for 85 percent of patients with problems in areas such as general medicine, gynecology, obstetrics, psychiatry, preventive medicine, pediatrics, and orthopedics in both in-patient and outpatient environments." Such care for a diverse range of patients requires an intimate knowledge of public health and infection control principles. This must certainly be one of the reasons why MC offers the opportunity for physicians to obtain additional training in public health during the mid-point in their Army Medical career. i. Furthermore, Army Family Medicine Physicians who are currently on active duty status with the Army have the ability to apply for a two year faculty development fellowship at Madigan Army Medical Center which culminates in the completion of an MPH degree. During completion of this fellowship and the MPH degree, officers receive all salary and benefits due them and have the degree funded in full, which further exemplifies its importance to the AMEDD and within the medical field at large. j. In support of his request, he also cites past precedents as the ABCMR has granted CSC in past cases where the MPH credential was earned prior to entering onto active duty and when it was obtained non-concurrently with the individuals' primary medical credential. Previous ABCMR cases involving CSC for an MPH degree include: AR20060013298, AR2001053701, and AR20100017633. k. His MPH degree was earned non-concurrently with his M.D. credential and is worthy of being granted one year of CSC under applicable the governing DoDI and Army regulations. Additionally, the adjunctive value which an MPH affords physicians, such as him, is well known within the medical community. He anticipates that this fact has also been plainly demonstrated and the benefit it confers to Army physicians has been made evident. He thanks the Board for taking the time to consider his case. 3. The applicant provides: * Enclosure 1 – DA Form 5074-R (Record of Award of Entry Grade Credit (Medical and Dental Officers)), dated 23 December 2014; and orders to active duty, dated 17 April 2015 * Enclosure 2 – WVU letter to the ABCMR, dated 13 September 2017; OTSG letter to WVU, dated 23 August 2012; and WVU degree plan * Enclosure 3 – WVU official transcripts, dated 29 September 2014 and 28 May 2015 * Enclosure 4 – Letter of support from military legal counsel, dated 25 September 2017 * Enclosure 5 – Letter of support from DDEAMC, dated 28 August 2017 * Enclosure 6 – Letter of support from DDEAMC, dated 6 September 2017 * Enclosure 7 – Letter of support from DDEAMC, dated 30 August 2017 * Enclosure 8 – extract of DA PAM 600-4 * Enclosure 9 – Madigan Faculty Development Fellowship brochure FACTS: 1. The applicant applied for a Regular Army commission on 12 July 2010. He was appointed a Reserve commissioned officer on 23 November 2010 and assigned to U.S. Army Control Group (Officer Active Duty Obligor (OADO)). 2. An electronic generated DA Form 5074-R, dated 23 December 2014, within the applicant's record shows boxes reserved for entries are missing when compared to the DA Form 5074-R in Army Regulation 135-101, Figure 3-1. However, his DA Form 5074-R does show: * Section A (Credit for Basic Qualifying Degree) - MD; WVU; 4 years * Section D (Credit for Advanced Education Beyond Basic Qualifying Degree) - no space for an entry * he was awarded 4 years of CSC based on his projected completion of a MD (the basic qualifying degree) on 17 May 2015 * he was not awarded any additional CSC for other advanced training or experience * his total CSC qualified him for appointment as a CPT * the form was authenticated by the preparing official and an approving official 3. Orders A-04-599220, issued by U.S. Army Human Resources Command (HRC) on 17 April 2015, shows the applicant was being appointed in the Regular Army as a CPT with a date of rank of 17 May 2015, based on 4 years of CSC. 4. A DA Form 71 shows the applicant was appointed a Regular Army commissioned officer in the MC, at the rank of CPT on 17 May 2015. 5. The applicant's record is void of college transcripts that show the type of degrees he was awarded nor when they were completed. 6. The applicant provides: a. A letter from the Director, Medical Education, OTSG addressed to WVU, dated 23 August 2012, that states she would honor the applicant's plan of study for the MD/MPH degree at WVU School of Medicine, which authorized his year- long leave of absence from the Health Professional Scholarship Program (HPSP). b. A transcript from WVU that shows he was awarded a MPH degree on 15 August 2014. The school terms attended were Fall 2013 and Spring 2014. c. A transcript from WVU that shows he was awarded a MD degree (Doctor of Medicine) 17 May 2015 (coincides with his date of appointment in the Regular Army). The transcript also shows he did not take courses related to the MD degree during the school terms in which he completed his MPH degree. d. A WVU School of Medicine degree plan that shows the applicant's scheduled one-year leave of absence to obtain the MPH degree. e. A letter from the Associate Dean for Student Services, WVU, dated 13 September 2017, addressed to the Board. This official stated: (1) This letter is to serve as confirmation that the applicant was a student enrolled at WVU from 2010-2015. He completed his initial 3 years of study in the MD curriculum at the WVU School of Medicine after which, he took an Army approved one calendar year leave of absence for the purpose of obtaining a MPH from the WVU School of Public Health. (2) His academic leave of absence began on 15 June 2013. He completed his MPH degree and resumed his studies at the WVU School of Medicine, exactly one year later on 15 June 2014. His MPH was formally awarded at the summer commencement in August of 2014. He thereafter completed his final year in the MD curriculum and graduated with his MD degree in May of 2015. There existed no overlap in time between the obtainment of the MD and MPH degrees. Per a special modification of the standard WVU MD/MPH curriculum, which was designed to suit the needs of the Army, there was no overlap in academic credits between the two degrees. The MPH credential was conferred independently by the WVU School of Public Health and the MD degree was awarded by the WVU School of Medicine. f. Four letters of support mentioned above in "The applicant states…" paragraph. 7. In the processing of this case, an advisory opinion was obtained on 14 March 2018 from the Program manager, graduate Medical Education, OTSG. The advisory official opined: a. DoDI 6000.13, dated 30 June 1997, was the governing directive in granting entry grade credit at the time of determination of constructive credit. Paragraph 6.1.1.3 states: "Constructive credit may be awarded only if such advanced education or advanced degree is required as a prerequisite for original appointment as a commissioned officer in a particular officer category." A medical officer requires an MD or a DO degree only; a MPH is not a prerequisite for appointment. b. Additionally, paragraph 6.1.2.2.3 states: ''The additional degree must add adjunctive skills to the primary specialty and must contribute directly to performance in the anticipated position in the Military Service concerned." A Master's Degree is not a prerequisite for medical school, a Family Medicine residency, or appointment as a MC Officer in the Army, the position for which the Army has said requirement. Accordingly, this additional training is not applicable to constructive credit for education, training or experience required for appointment to the MC beyond the 4 years of credit already granted for his medical school training. c. Therefore, the recommendation of The Medical Education Directorate is to not grant any additional credit for the Master's Degree. This is an opinion only, final determination will be provided by the Board. 8. The applicant was provided a copy of the advisory opinion on 16 March 2018, for information and to allow him the opportunity to submit comments and/or a rebuttal. He responded with the following rebuttals: a. Rebuttal email, dated 9 January 2018 from Mr. A_, Chief, Support Branch, Health Services Division, HRC. This official opined: (1) The officer should have been awarded two-years CSC for the MPH degree. The MPH degree is universally accepted as additional advanced degree that adds adjunctive skills to an MC Officer's primary specialty and always contributes directly to the performance of an MC Officer's duties. (2) The controlling policy expressly allows an MC Officer to be awarded 2 years CSC for attainment of an additional advanced degree and, most importantly, references the MPH degree. See AR 135-101, Table 3-1, note 4; see also AR 135-101, Figure 3-4 (specifically denoting w/in a non-inclusive list the MPH degree as a qualifying additional advanced degree for MC Officers). (3) The prior practice of denying entry grade credit for the MPH was based on an unwritten standard pertaining to whether and to the extent the degree would expedite Graduate Medical Education (GME) training. (4) In addition to Army Regulation 135-101, also consider the MPH degree is listed within the MC Officer's Active Army life cycle model as a qualifying education program for additional training. (5) Finally, and most importantly, consider the plethora of ABCMR opinions that consistently grant MC Officers two-years CSC for the MPH degree. It is my understanding the officer's DA 5074 was prepared by GME, so the officer must request GME to amend its prior decision. If GME denies, the officer can use this denial (proof of exhaustion of administrative remedies) to accompany his petition to ARBA to adjudicate. b. Rebuttal from the Chief, Legal Assistance Division, Headquarters, U.S. Army Center of Excellence and Fort Gordon, dated 30 March 2018. This official opined: (1) I respectfully request this honorable agency reject, in whole, the advisory opinion of the OTSG. In its opinion, the OTSG official, argues that CSC should not be awarded to the applicant because his MPH degree was not a prerequisite for his original appointment as a medical corps officer. (2) Such standard is, respectfully, neither required nor relevant. The purpose of CSC is to award achievement beyond the standard for entry grade appointment. If such standard applied by the OTSG in its advisory opinion was proper, no medical corps officer would be entitled to CSC beyond the MD/DO degree, as those degrees are the minimum required degrees for appointment as a medical corps officer. Additionally, Army Regulation 135-101, Figure 3-4, which specifically denotes the MPH degree as a qualifying additional advanced degree for MC Officers for receipt of CSC, respectfully, would not exist. (3) The applicant stands by his original submission dated 29 September 2017 and its enclosures. In addition, he submits in support of his request for CSC the opinion of Mr. D_, Chief, Support Branch, Health Services Division, HRC, who states attaining a MPH degree does entitle a MC Officer to CSC. In his opinion, paralleling the arguments provided by the applicant in his original petition, provides, "The controlling policy expressly allows an MC Officer to be awarded two-years CSC for attainment of an additional advanced degree and, most importantly, references the MPH degree. See Army Regulation 135-101, Table 3-1, note 4, and Figure 3-4 (specifically denoting w/in an non-inclusive list the MPH degree as a qualifying additional advanced degree for MC officers)." (4) Mr. D_ also supports the applicant's arguments in his original petition for CSC by providing, "In addition to the Army Regulation 135-101, also consider the MPH degree is listed within the MC Officer's Active Army life cycle model as a qualifying education program for additional training. See DA Pam 600-4, Figure 9-1." (5) In further support of his opinion for awarding CSC for attainment of the MPH degree, Mr. D_ cites, as did the applicant in his original petition, "the plethora of ABCMR opinions that consistently grant MC Officers two-years CSC for the MPH degree. " (6) The applicant is not requesting two years of CSC. He is only requesting one year; because he completed an accelerated program in which two years of a traditional MPH degree were completed in one year. (7) Again, the standard applied by OTSG in its advisory opinion is incorrect, because it improperly focuses solely on the requirements for initial appointment as a MC Officer. The standard for granting CSC is to award qualifications that exceed those for initial appointment. While not required for his initial appointment, his MPH degree adds "adjunctive skills to the primary specialty'' and "contribute[s] directly to [his] performance" as an Army Family Medicine physician. The applicant's MPH specialty is in occupational and environmental health, which is directly related to and tremendously benefits his service to the DoD, recognized as the largest employer in the world with over 3.2 million employees. 9. The applicant mentioned the following ABCMR Records of Proceedings: a. AR20060013298: A case in which an applicant was granted two years of CSC for a two year MPH degree obtained prior to beginning medical school. Although this case is not identical to his own, it does demonstrate that CSC has been granted by the ABCMR for MPH, which were earned non- concurrently with the M.D. or Doctor of Osteopathic (D.O.) Medicine credential. This case also contains an advisory opinion from the Office of The Surgeon General (OTSG), Chief, Graduate Medical Education (GME) Division. The opinion, which was provided on 20 December 2006, states that since the applicant did not complete her MPH training concurrently with her medical degree she was entitled to CSC for her MPH degree. Additionally, the OTSG statement did not make any contention regarding the applicability of the adjunctive skills which the MPH degree affords military physicians. The OTSG advisory opinion recommended the granting of the applicant's CSC. However, this case does not indicate how much CSC the applicant received prior to being awarded the additional credit for their MPH. b. AR2001053701: A case in which an applicant was granted two years of CSC for a two year MPH degree obtained prior to beginning medical school. Again, while this case is not identical to his own, it does demonstrate that the CSC has been granted by the Board for MPHs, which were earned non- concurrently with the M.D. or D.O. credential. This case also contains an advisory opinion from the OTSG that does not dispute the usefulness of MPH training and the advisory opinion recommends granting of the applicant's requested CSC. In this case, the Board made an error in granting the applicant more than the allowable 4-years of CSC of education. c. AR20100017633: A case in which an applicant was granted two years of CSC for a two year MPH degree obtained prior to beginning medical school. CSC was again granted by the Board for a MPH that was earned non- concurrently with the Doctor of Medicine credential. However, this case does not indicate how much CSC the applicant received prior to being awarded the additional credit for their MPH. In this case the ABCMR denied the portion of the applicant's request that pertained to adding additional CSC for his MPH degree. BOARD DISCUSSION: 1. After reviewing the application and all supporting documents, the Board finds that relief is warranted that he receive one additional year of constructive service credit (CSC) for obtaining his Masters of Public Health (MPH) degree in addition to his MD degree. 2. The Board noted that Department of Defense Instruction 6000.13 (Medical Manpower and Personnel), 30 June 1997, explains that constructive service credit (CSC) provides a person who begins commissioned service after obtaining the additional education, training, or experience required for appointment, designation, or assignment as an officer in a health profession, with a grade and date of rank comparable to that attained by officers who begin commissioned service after getting a baccalaureate degree and serve for the period of time it would take to obtain the additional education." Paragraph 6.1.2. states "[f]our years of constructive service credit shall be granted for completion of first professional degrees that include medical (M.D.) .... " a. Paragraph 6.1.2.2.2. states credit for master's and doctorate degrees in a health profession other than medicine and dentistry, whether it is the primary degree or an additional advanced degree, shall be awarded based on actual full- time equivalent education of up to two years for a master's degree and up to four years for a doctorate. Credit may not include time spent in attainment of baccalaureate or other lower degrees. No additional credit may be given for more than one advanced degree in a single field, or closely related field. The total credit allowed for having both a master's and a doctorate degree may not exceed the maximum allowed for a doctorate. b. Paragraph 6. 1 .2.2.3. states the additional degree must add adjunctive skills to the primary specialty and must contribute directly to performance in the anticipated position in the Military Service concerned. 3. AR 135-101, Table 3-1, states "degree must add adjunctive skills to primary specialty and must contribute directly to performance in anticipated duty position. Credit is awarded based on full-time equivalent education up to 24 months for a master's degree or up to 36 months for a doctorate. Additional degrees must not have been earned concurrently with primary credential. Credit includes time spent in attainment of lower degree. No additional credit will be given for more than one degree in a single field."); AR 135-101, Table 3-4, recognizing "Public health" as an "advanced degree [that] may qualify for additional constructive credit." 4. In addition, the record reflects that the Applicant meets the regulatory requirement which, in the context of the Applicant's case, would prohibit CSC if the applicant had earned his MPH "concurrently with his primary credential". The record shows that the applicant earned his MPH at the West Virginia School of Public Health, while on a one-year leave of absence from the West Virginia University School of Medicine. Accordingly, the Applicant's MPH was not earned concurrently with his MD. 5. The Board found that the advisory opinion provided by the OTSG did not fully take into account these points outlined above when recommending denial of the requested CSC. BOARD VOTE: Mbr 1 Mbr 2 Mbr 3 :XXX :XXX :XXX GRANT FULL RELIEF : : : GRANT PARTIAL RELIEF : : : GRANT FORMAL HEARING : : : DENY APPLICATION BOARD DETERMINATION/RECOMMENDATION: The Board determined the evidence presented is sufficient to warrant a recommendation for relief. As a result, the Board recommends that all Department of the Army records of the individual concerned be corrected by adding one additional year of constructive service credit (CSC) for obtaining his Masters of Public Health (MPH) degree in addition to his MD degree. I certify that herein is recorded the true and complete record of the proceedings of the Army Board for Correction of Military Records in this case. REFERENCES: 1. DoDI 6000.13, in effect at the time, implemented policy, assigned responsibilities, and prescribed procedures to carry out medical manpower and personnel programs. CSC provides an officer who begins commissioned service after obtaining the additional education, training, or experience required for appointment, designation, or assignment as an officer in a health profession, with a grade and date of rank comparable to that attained by officers who begin commissioned service after getting a baccalaureate degree and serve for the period of time it would take to obtain the additional education. 6.1.2.2. prescribes CSC shall be awarded as follows: a. 6.1.2.2.1. Four years of CSC shall be granted for completion of first professional degrees that include medical (MD), osteopathy (DO), dental (DDS or DMD), optometry (OD), podiatry (PodD or DP), veterinary (DVM), and pharmacy (PhD). b. 6.1.2.2.2. Credit for master's and doctorate degrees in a health profession other than medicine and dentistry, whether it is the primary degree or an additional advanced degree, shall be awarded based on actual full-time equivalent education of up to 2 years for a master's degree and up to 4 years for a doctorate. Credit may not include time spent in attainment of baccalaureate or other lower degrees. No additional credit may be given for more than one advanced degree in a single field, or closely related field. The total credit allowed for having both a master's and a doctorate degree may not exceed the maximum allowed for a doctorate. c. 6.1.2.2.3. The additional degree must add adjunctive skills to the primary specialty and must contribute directly to performance in the anticipated position in the Military Service concerned. 2. Army Regulation 135-101 prescribes policy, procedures, and eligibility criteria for appointment in the Reserve Components of the Army, with or without concurrent active duty, in the six branches of the Army Medical Department. It states: a. CSC will be granted for periods of professional training and experience accrued after receipt of the basic qualifying degree. (See table 3-1, 3-3, 3-4, and 3-5. Credit limitations are prescribed in table entries and footnotes.) b. A MD (or DO) degree is awarded 4 years of CSC. c. Table 3-4 shows an advanced degree in public health may qualify for additional constructive credit. d. EGC awarded to AMEDD officers upon-appointment or assignment will be recorded on a DA Form 5074-R for MC Officers. The proponent agency for use of the DA Form 5074-R is OTSG. DA Form 5074-R shows EGC is limited to a total of 14 years based on credited awarded for the following categories: * Basic Qualifying Degree * Internship * Graduate Professional Education * Advanced Education Beyond Basic Qualifying Degree * Professional Experience * Training or Experience in Unusual Cases * Prior Active Commissioned Service; and * Credit for service as other than a Medical or Dental Officer 3. Army Regulation 15-185 (ABCMR) states the ABCMR begins its consideration of each case with the presumption of administrative regularity. The applicant has the burden of proving an error or injustice by a preponderance of the evidence. A panel consisting of at least three ABCMR members will consider each application that is properly brought before it. One panel member will serve as the chair. The panel members may consider a case on the merits in executive session or may authorize a hearing. Each application will be reviewed to determine whether the preponderance of the evidence shows that an error or injustice exists and, if so, what relief is appropriate. //NOTHING FOLLOWS// ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20170017731 16 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Enclosure 2