IN THE CASE OF: BOARD DATE: 14 February 2022 DOCKET NUMBER: AR20210010864 APPLICANT REQUESTS: * constructive service credit for previously completed civilian education * personal appearance before the Board APPLICANT'S SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED BY THE BOARD: * DD Form 149 (Application for Correction of Military Record) * Unofficial Transcript * Letter from Georgetown University, dated 17 June 2021 FACTS: 1. The applicant states he obtained 2 Masters Degrees from Georgetown University. His first degree, Master's in Biophysics and Physiology, was confirmed in July 2016. His second degree, Master's in Systems Medicine was confirmed in May 2019. He argues that in accordance with Department of Defense Instruction (DODI) 6000.13 (Accession and Retention Policies, Programs, and Incentives for Military Health Professions Officers), enclosure 3.1.c.(3).(b) and 3.1.c.(4), his Masters degrees would be used in regard to medical research that is done while a resident in Orthopedic Surgery at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) through June 2026 and afterward during the remainder of his career in the military. 2. A review of the applicant's available service records reflects the following: a. On 16 August 2016, the applicant was appointed a Reserve commission at the rank/grade of second lieutenant (2LT)/O-1. The applicant also elected to participate in F. Edward Hebert Armed Force Health Professions Scholarship Program which would lead to his receipt of a Doctor of Medicine degree. b. On 6 May 2020, the U.S. Army Human Resources Command (HRC) issued Orders Number A-05-000556 ordering the applicant to active duty at the rank/grade of captain (CPT)/O-3, with a report date of 1 June 2020 to WRNMMC. He was awarded 4 years of constructive service credit resulting in the requirement to adjust his Date of Rank (DOR) to CPT. 3. The applicant provides the following a: a. Unofficial Transcript, reflective of a Master's of Science in Systems Medicine being confirmed on 17 May 2019, a Master's of Science in Physiology and Biophysics being confirmed on 31 July 2016 and a Doctor of Medicine degree being confirmed on 17 May 2020. b. Letter from Georgetown University, dated 17 June 2021, reflective of the registrar's office providing confirmation that the applicant graduated with a Master's of Science in Physiology and Biophysics from the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at Georgetown University on 31 July 2016. c. Letter from Georgetown University, dated 17 June 2021, reflective of the registrar's office providing confirmation that the applicant graduated with a Master's of Science in Systems Medicine from the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at Georgetown University on 17 May 2019. 3. On 13 January 2022, the Department of the Army, Office of the Surgeon General, Director, Medical Education Directorate provided an advisory opinion concerning the applicant's request for constructive service credit. In accordance with DODI 6000.13, enclosure 3, paragraph 1.c(4) provides that: "Credit will be awarded for any period of advanced education in a health profession (other than medicine and dentistry) beyond the baccalaureate degree level that exceeds the basic education required for the appointment, if such advanced education will be directly used by the Military Department concerned." Neither of the applicant's previously awarded degrees are required for entrance into medical school or for service as an Army Medical Corps (MC) Officer. The applicant argued that the skills he learned will play a role when conducting research as an Orthopedic Surgery resident. The Director, Medical Education Directorate provides that in his judgment, this provides sufficient evidence that he will indeed use his advanced education in his service as an Army MC Officer. As per DODI 6000.13-3.1.c(3)(b), credit for master's degrees may be awarded based on actual full time equivalent education up to 2 years. The applicant did not suggest a recommended amount of time he be credited for. In review of his record, the applicant has 8 months of full time work and 3 months of half- time work (or, 1.5 months fulltime equivalent) in earning his Masters of Science in Physiology and Biophysics degree in 2016. His Masters of Science in Systems Medicine degree certification notes that he was enrolled full time at Georgetown for 8 months, however, this is while he was enrolled in medical school. He believes that this document is demonstrating full time enrollment at Georgetown University, although his time was split between medical school and his masters, thus yielding half credit for that 8 months (4 months full-time equivalent). In total, that would yield 9.5 months of time for his Masters of Science in Physiology and Biophysics and 4 months for his Masters of Science in Systems Medicine, for a total of 13.5 months of constructive service credit. 4. On 26 January 2022, the applicant was provided with a copy of the advisory opinion and afforded 15 days to provide a response. 5. On 11 February 2022, the applicant responded to the advisory opinion and agreed with the advisory opinion and stated, the advisory opinion recommended a total of 13.5 months of constructive service credit (9.5 months for the Master's in Science in Physiology and Biophysics and 4 months for the Master's in Science in Systems Medicine) and he believes this correctly takes into account his fulltime and part-time commitments to both of these degrees. BOARD DISCUSSION: 1. The applicant's request for a personal appearance was carefully considered. In this case, the evidence of record was sufficient to render a fair and equitable decision. As a result, a personal appearance before the Board is not necessary to serve the interest of equity and justice in this case. 2. After reviewing the application, all supporting documents and the evidence found within the military record, the Board found that relief was warranted. The applicant's contentions, military record, advisory and regulatory guidance were carefully. The Board reviewed and concurred with the advisory. Based on the preponderance of evidence available for review, the Board determined the evidence presented sufficient to warrant a recommendation for relief. BOARD VOTE: Mbr 1 Mbr 2 Mbr 3 :X :X :X 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: * granting 9.5 months constructive credit toward the completion of a Masters of Science degree in Physiology and Biophysics and * granting 4 months toward the completion of a Masters of Science degree in Systems Medicine The total amount of constructive credit thereby awarded is 13.5 months. 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. Army Regulation (AR) 135-101 (Appointment of Reserve Commissioned Officers for Assignment to Army Medical Department Branches) states: a. Paragraph 3-2 (Determination of entry grade for officers not ordered to active duty) table ERR shows entry grade credit of 4 or more but less than 14 years, the grade awarded will be Captain (CPT)/O-3. b. Table 3-1 states credit for additional advanced degrees. Degree must add adjunctive skills primary to performance in the anticipated duty position. Credit is awarded based on full time equivalent education up to 24 months for a master's degree and 36 months for a doctorate. 2. DODI 6000.13 (Accession and Retention Policies, Programs, and Incentives for Military Health Professions Officers): a. Enclosure 3, 2c (Constructive Service Credit) states this credit is awarded to a person who begins commissioned service after obtaining the additional education, training, or experience required for appointment, designation, or assignment as a health professions officer. The designation will be to the same grade and DOR 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. Constructive service credit will only be used to determine initial grade, rank in grade, and service in grade for promotion eligibility. b. Enclosure 3, paragraph 1c.(4) states credit will be awarded for any period of advanced education in a health profession (other than medicine and dentistry) beyond the baccalaureate degree level that exceeds the basic education required for the appointment, if such advanced education will be directly used by the Military Department concerned. 3. AR 15-185 (Army Board for Correction of Military Records (ABCMR)) prescribes the policies and procedures for correction of military records by the Secretary of the Army, acting through the ABCMR. The ABCMR may, in its discretion, hold a hearing or request additional evidence or opinions. Additionally, it states in paragraph 2-11 that applicants do not have a right to a hearing before the ABCMR. The Director or the ABCMR may grant a formal hearing whenever justice requires. //NOTHING FOLLOWS// ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20210010864 1 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 1