RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2009-00321 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: NO _________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: Her uncharacterized entry-level separation be removed from her records. _________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: She underwent a physical at her local Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) and was found to have amblyopia, which required an evaluation by an ophthalmologist. She believes she was discharged due to an error within the MEPS. In support of her request, the applicant provides documents extracted from her military personnel records. The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A. _________________________________________________________________ STATEMENT OF FACTS: The applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force on 26 August 2008. On 2 October 2008, the applicant was notified by her commander of his intent to recommend that she be discharged from the Air Force under the provisions of AFPD 36-32 and AFI 36-3208, chapter 5, section C, paragraph 5-14. The specific reason was a medical narrative summary dated 8 September 2008 that found she did not meet minimum medical standards to enlist. She should not have been allowed to join the Air Force because she has amblyopia and esotropia strabismus. She was advised of her rights in this matter and acknowledged receipt of the notification on that same date. The applicant waived her right to consult with counsel, and elected not to submit statements on her own behalf. In a legal review of the case file, the staff judge advocate found the case legally sufficient and recommended discharge. On 6 October 2008, the discharge authority concurred with the recommendations and directed discharge. The applicant was discharged on 8 October 2008. She served 1 month and 13 days on active duty. _________________________________________________________________ AIR FORCE EVALUATION: AETC/SGPS recommends denial. SGPS states the applicant was found to have amblyopia in her left eye, which required further evaluation by a local ophthalmologist. After testing, she was felt to be within standards and was eventually cleared by the MEPS Chief Medical Officer. While in basic training, the applicant sought medical care due to having visual problems while marching. An ophthalmology evaluation dated 8 September 2008 indicated she did not meet medical standards due to left esotropia with amblyopia, vision not correctable to standards. It was also noted on a Standard Form 600, Chronological Record of Medical Care, dated 22 September 2008, that she wanted to have eye surgery then re-enter if possible, it also supported her separation from military service. The SGPS complete evaluation is at Exhibit C. AFPC/DPSOS recommends denial. DPSOS states a chronological record of medical care dated 8 September 2008, states the applicant did see a civilian provider or have treatment for symptoms of the condition prior to entry on active duty and the condition was not aggravated by training beyond the normal progression of the ailment. Although the applicant may be correct in her assertion that the amblyopia in her left eye should have been caught at MEPS, this constituted an error in the enlistment process and thus discharge for erroneous entry was appropriate. The discharge to include the service characterization was within the discretion of the discharge authority. No errors were found in the applicant’s discharge processing. The DPSOS complete evaluation is at Exhibit D. _________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION: On 30 October 2009, copies of the Air Force evaluations were forwarded to the applicant for review and comment within 30 days (Exhibit E). As of this date, this office has received no response. _________________________________________________________________ THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT: 1. The applicant has exhausted all remedies provided by existing law or regulations. 2. The application was timely filed. 3. Insufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of an error or an injustice. After a thorough review of the evidence of record along with the applicant's submission, we find no evidence of an error within her discharge processing and are not persuaded that her entry- level separation should be changed. We are not persuaded by the evidence presented that the applicant was denied rights to which she was entitled or that the appropriate standards were not applied in this case. Therefore, we agree with the opinions and recommendations of the offices of primary responsibility and adopt their rationale as the basis for our conclusion the applicant has failed to sustain her burden of proof of the existence of either an error or an injustice. In the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no basis to recommend granting the relief sought. _________________________________________________________________ THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT: The applicant be notified the evidence presented did not demonstrate the existence of an error or injustice; the application was denied without a personal appearance; and the application will only be reconsidered upon the submission of newly discovered relevant evidence not considered with this application. _________________________________________________________________ The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2009-00321 in Executive Session on 7 January 2010, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603: , Panel Chair , Member , Member The following documentary evidence pertaining to AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2009-00321 was considered: Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 9 January 2009, w/atchs. Exhibit B. Applicant’s Master Personnel Record. Exhibit C. Letter, AETC/SGPS, dated 25 February 2009. Exhibit D. Letter, AFPC/DPSOS, dated 12 October 2009. Exhibit E. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 30 October 2009. Panel Chair