ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS IN THE CASE OF: BOARD DATE: 24 June 2021 DOCKET NUMBER: AR20200003426 APPLICANT REQUESTS: approval of his claim for Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) for the conditions of sarcoidosis and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) APPLICANT'S SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED BY THE BOARD: * DD Form 149 (Application for Correction of Military Record) * DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) * National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) letter * self-authored statement * two letters of support * various medical records * Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) * Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) * Orders 048-0213 * Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) documents * Department of Veterans Affairs Rating Decision * US Army Physical Disability Agency (USAPDA) documents FACTS: 1. The applicant did not file within the three-year time frame provided in Title 10, United States Code, section 1552(b); however, the ABCMR conducted a substantive review of this case and determined it is in the interest of justice to excuse the applicant's failure to timely file. 2. The applicant states, in effect, he should be receiving CRSC for his sarcoidosis and PTSD due to his hazardous duty in Kosovo. 3. The applicant provides: a. A Standard Form (SF) 600 (Chronological Record of Medical Care), dated in June 2001, that shows he reported a two-week history of left knee pain following a basketball game, in which he landed wrong and it felt as if it was hyperextended. b. A DA Form 2807-1 (Report of Medical History), dated 27 October 2004, that shows he reported asthma, shortness of breath, eye trouble, loss of vision, knee trouble, dizziness or fainting, and chest pain, which he attributed the majority of to sarcoidosis. c. A DD Form 2697 (Report of Medical Assessment), dated 28 October 2004, that shows he indicated his overall health has worsened because of sarcoidosis, and for which he had been seen and treated for by a health care provider. d. A DA Form 2808 (Report of Medical Examination), dated 4 November 2004, that shows in item 74b (physical profile) a “P3” rating due to his sarcoidosis was initiated. e. A medical evaluation board (MEB) narrative summary (NARSUM), dated 27 December 2004, that shows he first presented in October 2003 with clinical and radiological symptoms consistent with sarcoidosis. f. A DA Form 3947 (MEB Proceedings), dated 7 January 2005, that shows he had one condition (sarcoidosis) at that time, which the MEB determined was incurred approximately in 2003 while he was entitled to base pay. He agreed with the findings and recommendations of the MEB on 19 January 2005. g. A DA Form 5889-R (PEB Referral Transmittal Document), dated 19 January 2005, that shows he was referred to the physical evaluation board (PEB). h. A DA Form 199 (PEB Proceedings), dated 21 January 2005, that shows: (1) An Informal PEB was convened on the date of the form and found the applicant physically unfit for sarcoidosis, recommended a disability rating of 30 percent and that he be placed on the temporary disability retired list (TDRL) with a reexamination in 2006. Based their review of all available evidence, the PEB determined: * his retirement was not based on a disability from an injury or disease received in the line of duty, as a direct result of armed conflict, or caused by an instrumentality of war and incurring in the line of duty during a period of war * the disability did not result from a combat related injury (2) The applicant signed the form on 25 January 2005, indicating he concurred with the PEB findings, and waived his opportunity for a formal PEB hearing. i. Orders 048-0213, dated 17 February 2005, published by Headquarters, III Corps and Fort Hood, show he was placed on the TDRL on 18 March 2005 after serving 10 years, 1 month, and 3 days. j. A DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty), member copy 4, shows he entered active duty on 15 February 1995. He was awarded the MOS 92G (COOK), and was honorably retired due to a disability. The form shows the following: * item 12f (Foreign Service) 2 years, 11 months, and 29 days * item 13 (Decorations, Medals, Badges, Citations, and Campaign Ribbons Awarded or Authorized) Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal (4th award), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal (3rd award), National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal * item 18 (Remarks) does not reflect service in Kosovo; it does show his reenlistments for continuous honorable active service: 19950215 - 19971022 and 19971023 - 20020118 k. A National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) letter, dated 11 June 2019, shows the authorized shipment of his Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal with 3 bronze oak leaf clusters, Good Conduct Medal 3rd award, National Defense Service Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. l. An AHRC CRSC Decision Letter, dated 28 May 2019, shows the applicant’s claim for CRSC was reviewed. AHRC was unable to verify the applicant’s sarcoidosis as a combat related disability, noting the applicant’s PEB states this disability is not combat related. AHRC further stated “You requested consideration of Sarcoidosis, a chronic inflammatory condition. Only certain disabilities have been recognized as directly related to exposures to environmental hazards or toxins. Currently Sarcoidosis is not considered to have been caused by exposures mentioned above.” m. A second AHRC CRSC Decision Letter, dated 29 August 2019, shows the applicant’s claim for CRSC was reviewed and the following determinations were made: (1) Sarcoidosis received final disapproval because the condition does not meet the criteria for combat related compensation, and is not recognized by the department of defense (DOD) as being caused by combat related events or environments. (2) PTSD was disapproved a second time due to no new evidence being provided to show a combat related event caused the condition. (3) Degenerative joint disease, left knee was disapproved because documentation did not show accident or incident to connect the disability to a combat related event. n. A self-authored statement, dated 27 September 2019, in which the applicant states, in part, he receives a 10 percent rating for his left knee due to an injury sustained when he jumped into a fighting position (foxhole) during a unit pre-deployment training exercise in 2001. He was in Germany, assigned to Service Battery, 1st Battalion, 6th Field Artillery. He went to sick-call at that time, and has reported continuous knee problems since that incident. o. A letter from sergeant first class (SFC) J_, dated 6 October 2019, which states: I served with [the applicant] in Service BTRY 1/6 Field Artillery in Bamberg, Germany and Task Force Falcon (Kosovo Force (KFOR)), Multi-National Brigade-East (MND-E), OPERATION JOINT GUARDIAN November 1999 to May 2000. During this deployment [the applicant] shared 12-man barracks room with me and the other junior enlisted Soldiers. We arrived in country shortly after Thanksgiving November 1999. On multiple occasions we would have to wake [the applicant], due to him appearing to not be breathing waking up as he seemed to be choking or gasping for air. He was often counseled by Sergeant of the Guard for sleeping in the daytime when he was supposed to be alert during guard duty. He often complained of being unable to sleep because of nightmares and would often wake up screaming that he couldn't breathe. He often complained of migraine headaches. He sounded like he was breathing through his mouth. We had him sleep closer to the door because the loud noises and erratic behavior. He would have constant mood swings. When we returned from Kosovo, [the applicant] would still have to be woken up, because he would not make it to formation on time routinely. He would have bouts of depression because the fear of getting put out the Army for his sleeping challenges. p. An undated letter from staff sergeant (SSG) W_, states: in part, the applicant’s military occupational specialty (MOS) was 92G (cook). During the Kosovo deployment, the cooks were tasked to perform mission requirements to provide a cafeteria and workers, and gate guards. They often came in contact with local nationals with injuries, sicknesses and diseases, and were dispatched to investigate mass grave sites where they encountered many human remains while service on the quick reaction force (QRF). q. A DVA Rating Decision, dated 15 October 2019, shows the applicant was granted service-connected disability compensation for, among other conditions, sarcoidosis to include sleep apnea. In this case, the sarcoidosis and sleep apnea are evaluated based on the same manifestation of symptoms, and a single rating had been assigned under the predominant disability of sarcoidosis. The decision document shows the entry, service connection for sleep apnea has been established as related to the service-connected disability of PTSD. r. An AHRC CRSC Decision Letter, dated 20 November 2019, shows the applicant’s claim for CRSC was reviewed and the following determinations were made: (1) Sarcoidosis received final disapproval because no new medical evidence was provided to show a combat related event caused the condition. (2) Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease was denied because the condition does not meet the criteria for combat related compensation. Currently the DOD and VA have determined the disability is not caused by combat related events or environments. (3) Hypertension was denied because the condition does not meet the criteria for CRSC unless it is a secondary condition to Ischemic Heart Disease caused by Vietnam War Agent Orange exposure. (4) Degenerative joint disease, left knee received second disapproval because no new medical evidence was provided to show a combat related event caused the condition. (5) PTSD received final disapproval because no new medical evidence was provided to show a combat related event caused the condition. (6) Painful abdominal horizontal and vertical scar was denied because the condition is secondary to a condition which is not combat related. (7) Ventral hernia was denied because the condition is secondary to a condition which is not combat related. s. A DD Form 2860 (Claim for CRSC), dated 19 December 2019, shows he submitted a claim for CRSC. Section IV (Request for Combat-Relatedness Determination) shows the following in: * item 13a (Title of Disability) 100 percent, permanent and total (P&T) * item 13d (Date awarded by VA) 10 October 2007 * item 13g (Combat-related Code) HS – Hazardous Service * item 13i (Location/Area of Assignment When Injured) Kosovo * item 13J (Describe events surrounding disability and how it meets the guidelines of Combat-related) he states: I was assigned to another company cross-training for security. While on gate guard I encountered an injured child that was shot in the leg. There were injured civilians. While on patrol, we encountered mass graves. There were armed children and gun fire everywhere. We were even fired upon and had to take cover. * Item 13k (Did you receive a Purple Heart for injury); response indicates: NO t. The applicant provided the following additional documents: * Operation Joint Guardian: The U.S. Army in Kosovo * Texas PEB Fact Sheet on the disability evaluation system (DES) * DA Form 5893-R (PEB Liaison Officer (PEBLO) Counseling Checklist/Statement) * DD Form 2870 (Authorization for Disclosure of Medical or Dental Information) 4. A review of the applicant’s Interactive Personnel Electronic Records Management System (iPERMS) service record shows: a. He enlisted in the Regular Army (RA) on 13 January 1995. b. A DA Form 2166-8 (NCO Evaluation Report), dated July 2002, shows he was assigned to the Service Battery, 1st Battalion, 6th Field Artillery, US Army Europe (USAREUR) with 92G food operations sergeant as his primary duty title. c. Orders 048-0213, dated 17 February 2005, published by Headquarters, III Corps and Fort Hood, placed the applicant on the TDRL on 18 March 2005 after serving 10 years, 1 month, and 3 days. He was retired with a 30 percent disability rating. The orders show: * the disability was not based on an injury or disease received in the line of duty (LOD) as a direct result of armed conflict, or caused by an instrumentality of war, or incurred in the LOD during a period of war * the disability did not result from a combat-related injury defined in USC 104 5. A DD Form 214, service copy 2, (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) shows the following: * item 11 (Primary Specialty) MOS 92G, Food Service Specialist * item 12a (Date entered Active Duty this period) 15 February 1995 * item 12b (Separation Date this Period) 17 March 2005 * item 12c (Net Active Service this Period) 10 years, 1 month, and 3 days * item 12f (Foreign Service) 2 years, 11 months, and 29 days * item 13 (Decorations, Medals, Badges, Citations, and Campaign Ribbons Awarded or Authorized) Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal (4th award), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal (3rd award), National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal * item 18 (Remarks) does not reflect service in Kosovo; it does show his immediate reenlistments during this period: from 15 February 1995 to 22 October 1997 and from 23 October 1997 to 18 January 2002 * Item 23 (Type of Separation) Retirement * Item 24 (Character of Service) Honorable * Item 28 Narrative Reason for Separation) Disability, Temporary 6. A DA Form 199, dated 27 January 2010, that shows: * an Informal PEB was convened on the date of the form and continued to find the applicant physically unfit for his sarcoidosis, and recommended he be permanently retired with his 30 percent disability rating * the applicant signed the form on 4 February 2010, indicating he concurred with the PEB findings, and waived his opportunity for a formal PEB hearing 7. Orders D055-17, dated 24 February 2010, published by the U.S. Army Physical Disability Agency (USAPDA), Washington, DC, shows he was removed from the TDRL and permanently retired because of his physical disability rated at 30 percent. 8. A DD Form 2860 (Claim for CRSC), dated 22 April 2019, 2019, shows he submitted a claim for CRSC. Section IV (Request for Combat-Relatedness Determination) shows the following in: * item 13a (Title of Disability) Sarcoidosis (lung disease caused while deployed Kosovo) * item 13e (Initial Rating % by the VA) 60 * item 13g (Combat-Related Code) AC – Armed Conflict 9. A DVA Rating Decision, dated 21 May 2019, shows the applicant was granted service-connected disability compensation for his: * Sarcoidosis: a 60 percent rating from 18 March 2005; a 100 percent rating from 2 February 2018; a future examination in or around June 2021 * PTSD: an original denial on 16 September 2016; a 50 percent rating from 19 September 2018 10. A decision letter, dated 28 May 2019, for claim 368140, shows the Army HRC CRSC Division was unable to authorize CRSC for his sarcoidosis due to the absence of evidence showing that a combat-related event caused the condition, and that the condition is not considered to have been caused by exposure to environmental hazards or toxins. 11. A DVA Rating Decision, dated 4 June 2019, shows the applicant was granted service-connected disability compensation for his: * Sarcoidosis: 60 percent rating from 18 March 2005; 100 percent rating from 2 February 2018; a future examination in or around June 2021 * PTSD: an original denial on 16 September 2016; a 50 percent rating from 19 September 2018 12. A DD Form 2860, dated 17 June 2019, shows he submitted a claim for CRSC. Section IV (Request for Combat-Relatedness Determination) shows the following in: * item 13a (Title of Disability) PTSD * item 13e (Initial Rating % by the VA) denied * item 13f (Current Rating % by VA) 50 * item 13g (Combat-Related Code) AC – Armed Conflict * item 13j (Events Surrounding the Disability and How it Meets the Guidelines of Combat-Related) saw dead bodies in mass grave, local civilians shot 13. A decision letter, dated 10 July 2019, for claim 369578, shows the Army HRC CRSC Division determined the following: * Sarcoidosis: second disapproval; PEB stated not combat-related; was not recognized as being caused by any combat-related events or environments * PTSD: condition does not meet the criteria for CRSC; he was not personally exposed to armed conflict 14. A DVA Rating Decision, dated 19 July 2019, shows the applicant was granted service-connected disability compensation for his: * Sarcoidosis: a 60 percent rating from 18 March 2005; a 100 percent rating from 2 February 2018; a future examination in or around June 2021 * PTSD: an original denial on 16 September 2016; a 50 percent rating from 19 September 2018 15. The applicant requested a reconsideration for claim 369578, on 2 August 2019, for his left knee injury. He also indicated he obtained new medical evidence to verify his combat-related link for PTSD, and provided his self-authored letter, and the 2 buddy statements. 16. A decision letter, dated 29 August 2019, for claim 370749, the Army HRC CRSC Division determined the following: * Sarcoidosis: final disapproval; condition did not meet criteria for CRSC; was not recognized by DoD as being caused by any combat-related events or environments * PTSD: second disapproval; there was no new evidence to show a combat- related event caused the condition 17. The applicant requested a reconsideration for claim 370749, on 8 November 2019, for his DVA added conditions, and for which he was awarded special monthly compensation by the DVA. 18. A decision letter, dated 20 November 2019, for claim 373350, the Army HRC CRSC Division denied the applicant's request for reconsideration for the following: * Sarcoidosis: final disapproval; no new medical evidence was provided to show any combat-related event caused the condition * Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): the condition did not meet the criteria for CRSC; DoD and DVA determined disability was not caused by combat- related events or environments * Hypertension: this condition did not meet the criteria for CRSC unless it is secondary to Ischemic Heart Disease caused by Vietnam War Agent Orange exposure * Degenerative Joint Disease Left Knee: second disapproval; no new medical evidence was provided to show any combat-related event caused the condition * PTSD: final disapproval; no new evidence was provided to show a combat- related event caused the condition * Painful abdominal Horizontal and Vertical Scar: the condition is secondary to a condition that is not combat-related * Ventral Hernia: the condition is secondary to a condition that is not combat- related 19. The Army rates only conditions determined to be physically unfitting at the time of discharge, which disqualify the Soldier from further military service. The Army disability rating is to compensate the individual for the loss of a military career. The VA does not have authority or responsibility for determining physical fitness for military service. The VA may compensate the individual for loss of civilian employability. 20. Title 38, U.S. Code, Sections 1110 and 1131, permit the VA to award compensation for disabilities which were incurred in or aggravated by active military service. However, an award of a VA rating does not establish an error or injustice on the part of the Army. 21. Title 38, CFR, Part IV is the VA’s schedule for rating disabilities. The VA awards disability ratings to veterans for service-connected conditions, including those conditions detected after discharge. As a result, the VA, operating under different policies, may award a disability rating where the Army did not find the member to be unfit to perform his duties. Unlike the Army, the VA can evaluate a veteran throughout his or her lifetime, adjusting the percentage of disability based upon that agency's examinations and findings. 22. By regulation (AR 635-5), the DD Form 214 provides the individual with documentary evidence of his or her military service. Chapter 2 states: * for Block 12f (Foreign Service), enter the total amount of foreign service completed during the period covered by the DD Form 214 * for Block 13, enter all awards and decorations for all periods of service * for Block 18 for an active duty Soldier deployed with his or her unit during their continuous period of active service, the statement "SERVICE IN (country deployed) FROM (inclusive dates for example, YYYYMMDD-YYYYMMDD)" 23. Public law 106-21, dated 19 April 1999, provides guidance for certain tax benefits with respect to services performed in a combat zone to services performed in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia/Montenegro) and certain other areas, and for other purposes. A qualified hazardous duty area (QHDA) shall be treated in the same manner as if it were a combat zone, as determined under section 112 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. 24. The Defense Finance Accounting Service (DFAS) site provides information for QHDA reference and guidance in the DoD Finance Management regulation, Volume 7, chapter 44. QHDA table CZ4 shows, under the provisions of Public Law 106-21, the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Kosovo/Serbia/Montenegro) effective 24 March 1999. 25. Based on the applicant’s contention the ARBA medical staff provided a medical review for the Board members. See ?MEDICAL REVIEW? section. MEDICAL REVIEW: The Army Review Boards Agency (ARBA) Medical Advisor was asked to review this case. Documentation reviewed included the applicant’s ABCMR application and accompanying documentation, the military electronic medical record (AHLTA), the VA electronic medical record (JLV), the electronic Physical Evaluation Board (ePEB), the Medical Electronic Data Care History and Readiness Tracking (MEDCHART) application, and the Interactive Personnel Electronic Records Management System (iPERMS). The ARBA Medical Advisor made the following findings and recommendations: a. The applicant is applying to the ABCMR requesting they reverse both the United States Army Physical Disability Agency’s and the United States Army Human Resources Command’s (USA HRC) determinations that his sarcoidosis and PTSD are non-combat related and therefore not eligible for Combat Related Special Compensation (CRSC). He claims these conditions were brought on by “My hazardous duty in Kosovo.” b. The Record of Proceedings details the applicant’s military service and the circumstances of the case. The applicant’s DD 214 shows he entered the regular Army on 15 February 1995 and was placed on the temporary disability retirement list (TDRL) (Sarcoidosis, 30%) on 17 March 2005 under provision in paragraph 4-24b(2) of AR 635- 40, Physical Evaluation for Retention, Retirement, or Separation (1 September 1990). The DD 214 does not list a deployment. Following his TDRL re-evaluation, he was permanently retired for physical disability (Sarcoidosis, 30%) on 24 February 2010. There are no encounters in AHLTA or documents in iPERMS. c. The applicant’s medical evaluation board narrative summary dated 27 December 2004 states he first presented to the pulmonary clinic in October 2003. He was diagnosed with sarcoidosis. The condition went on to fail medical retention standards and so he was referred to a physical evaluation board (PEB). d. On 21 January 2005, the informal PEB determined the applicant’s “Sarcoidosis requiring continuous maintenance corticosteroid therapy” an unfitting condition for continued Service. While the onset of the disease may have been while he was deployed in Kosovo, the PEB did not find the condition to be combat related: They found no evidence that the disability was the direct result of armed combat; was related to the use of combat devices (instrumentalities of war); the result of combat training; incurred while performing extra hazardous service though not engaged in combat; incurred while performing activities or training in preparation for armed conflict in conditions simulating war; or that he was a member of the military on or before 24 September 1975. e. They derived and applied a rating of 30% and recommended he be placed on the TDRL. Following his TDRL re-evaluation, he was permanently retired for physical disability (Sarcoidosis, 30%) on 24 February 2010. f. In their final disapproval of his request to receive CRSC for his sarcoidosis, the CRSC branch of USA HRC stated: “This condition does not meet the criteria for CRSC. Not recognized by DOD as being caused by combat related events or environments. g. From his CRSC claim for his PTSD: I was assigned to another company; I was cross training to security. While on gate guard, I encountered an injured child, she was shot in the leg. There were injured civilians. While on patrol, we encountered mass graves. There were armed children, and gun fire everywhere. We were even fired upon and had to take cover. h. The applicant is not in receipt of a Purple Heart and no corroborating documentation was found. A note in paragraph 630502 of DoD FMR 7000.14-R Volume 7B Chapter 63 CRSC notes the requirement for documentation, stating in part: “An uncorroborated statement in a record that a disability is combat-related will not, by itself, be considered determinative for purposes of meeting the combat- related standards for CRSC prescribed herein. CRSC determinations must be made based on the program criteria.” i. It is the opinion of the Agency Medical Advisor there is insufficient probative evidence upon which to reverse the previous non-combat related determinations for his conditions and thus such a reversal is unwarranted. BOARD DISCUSSION: After reviewing the application, all supporting documents, and the evidence found within the military record, the Board found that relief was not warranted. The applicant’s contentions, the military record, a medical advisory opinion, and regulatory guidance were carefully considered. The Board concurred with the advisory official finding there is insufficient probative evidence upon which to reverse the previous non-combat related determinations for his conditions and thus such a reversal is unwarranted. The Board further noted the applicant is not in receipt of a Purple Heart and no corroborating documentation was found. Based upon a preponderance of the evidence, the Board determined there is insufficient evidence to reverse the decision for Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC). BOARD VOTE: Mbr 1 Mbr 2 Mbr 3 : : : GRANT FULL RELIEF : : : GRANT PARTIAL RELIEF : : : GRANT FORMAL HEARING XX XXX XX DENY APPLICATION BOARD DETERMINATION/RECOMMENDATION: The evidence presented does not demonstrate the existence of a probable error or injustice. Therefore, the Board determined the overall merits of this case are insufficient as a basis for correction of the records of the individual concerned. CHAIRPERSON 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. Title 10, United States Code, section 1552(b), provides that applications for correction of military records must be filed within 3 years after discovery of the alleged error or injustice. This provision of law also allows the ABCMR to excuse an applicant's failure to timely file within the 3-year statute of limitations if the Army Board for Correction of Military Records (ABCMR) determines it would be in the interest of justice to do so. 2. Title 10, U.S. Code, section 1413a, as amended, established CRSC. CRSC provides for the payment of the amount of money a military retiree would receive from the VA for combat-related disabilities if it were not for the statutory prohibition for a military retiree to receive a VA disability pension. Payment is made by the Military Department, not the VA, and is tax free. Eligible members are those retirees who have 20 years of service for retired pay computation (or 20 years of service creditable for Reserve retirement at age 60) and who have disabilities that are the direct result of armed conflict, especially hazardous military duty, training exercises that simulate war, or caused by an instrumentality of war. CRSC eligibility includes disabilities incurred as a direct result of: * armed conflict (gunshot wounds, Purple Heart, etc.) * training that simulates war (exercises, field training, etc.) * hazardous duty (flight, diving, parachute duty) * an instrumentality of war (combat vehicles, weapons, Agent Orange, etc.) 3. The Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Military Personnel Policy provided guidance for processing CRSC appeals. This guidance stipulated that in order for a condition to be considered combat-related, there must be evidence of the condition having a direct, causal relationship to war or the simulation of war or caused by an instrumentality of war. 4. Army Regulation 635-5 (Separation Documents) states the purpose of the separation document is to provide the individual with documentary evidence of his or her military service. Chapter 2 contains guidance for preparation of the DD Form 214. It states: * for Block 12f (Foreign Service), enter the total amount of foreign service completed during the period covered by the DD Form 214 * for Block 13, enter all awards and decorations for all periods of service * for Block 18 for an active duty Soldier deployed with his or her unit during their continuous period of active service, the statement "SERVICE IN (country deployed) FROM (inclusive dates for example, YYYYMMDD-YYYYMMDD)" 5. Public law 106-21, dated 19 April 1999, provides guidance for certain tax benefits with respect to services performed in a combat zone to services performed in the Federal republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia/Montenegro) and certain other areas, and for other purposes. A qualified hazardous duty area (QHDA)v shall be treated in the same manner as if it were a combat zone, as determined under section 112 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. a. Subsection (b) provides for purpose of this section, the term QHDA means, any area of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia/Montenegro), Albania, the Adriatic Sea, and the northern Ionian Sea (above the 39th parallel) during the period (which includes the date of the enactment of this Act) that any member of the Armed Forces of the United States is entitled to special pay under section 310 of title 37, US Code (relating to special pay: duty subject to hostile fire or imminent danger) for services performed in such area. b. Subsection (c) provides for the Special Rule for Section 7508 (relating to time for performing certain acts postponed by reason of service in combat zone) solely for purpose of applying this section of the Internal Revenue Code of 1996, in the case of an individual who is performing services as part of Operation Allied Force outside the United States while deployed away from such individual’s permanent duty station, the term QHDA includes, during the period for which the entitlement referred to in subsection (b) is in effect, any area in which such services are performed. 6. The Defense Finance Accounting Service (DFAS) site provides information for QHDA reference and guidance in the DoD Finance Management regulation, Volume 7, chapter 44. QHDA table CZ4 shows, under the provisions of Public Law 106-21, the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Kosovo/Serbia/Montenegro) effective 24 March 1999. 7. AR 600-8-22 (Military Awards) states the Kosovo Campaign Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, after 24 March 1999, participated in or served in direct support of designated operations, including Operation Allied Force (24 March 1999 through 10 June 1999) area of eligibility (AOE). Service members must be bona fide members of a unit participating in or be engaged in direct support of the operation for 30 consecutive days in the AOE or for 60 nonconsecutive days provided this support involves entering the operation's AOE or meet one or more of several other, specified criteria. One bronze service star will be worn for participation in each campaign (Kosovo Air Campaign and Kosovo Defense Campaign). Qualification for a second bronze service star requires meeting the criteria for both campaigns. The 30 consecutive or 60 nonconsecutive days that began during the Air Campaign (began on 24 March 1999 and ended on 10 June 1999) and continued into the Defense Campaign (began on 11 June 1999 to a date to be determined) entitles a member to only one bronze service star. 8. NOTE: MILPER Message 13-325, issued 30 October 2013, stated that effective 31 December 2013 the KCM is no longer authorized for personnel who deploy in support of Operation Joint Guardian and Task Force Falcon. The KCM will transition to the AFEM effective 1 January 2014. Campaign participation credit for the Kosovo Defense Campaign, which began on 11 June 1999, will close effective 31 December 2013. The area of eligibility for the AFEM will mirror that of the KCM, with the addition of Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, and Hungary. //NOTHING FOLLOWS//