RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2010-01960 INDEX CODE: 112.00 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: NO _________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: His reentry (RE) code of 2Q (Personnel medically retired or discharged) be changed to an eligible RE code. _________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: He was discharged for asthma, but he does not have asthma. He has reactive airway disease which is induced by dogs. Once he removed the dog he has had no asthma symptoms. In support of his request, the applicant provides a Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) clinic note. The applicant's complete submission, with attachment, is at Exhibit A. _________________________________________________________________ STATEMENT OF FACTS: On 17 Aug 04, the applicant contracted his enlistment in the Regular Air Force. He was promoted to the grade of senior airman with date of rank of 17 Aug 07. He served an an Aircraft Armament Systems Journeyman. While on active duty the applicant experienced and was treated for recurring episodes of asthma. On 3 Nov 08, he underwent a Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) for mild persistent asthma. The MEB referred his case to the Informal Physical Evaluation Board (IPEB). On 26 Feb 09, the IPEB found the applicant unfit and recommended discharge under the provisions other than Chapter 61, Title 10, U.S.C. The IPEB noted that he had a greater than 10- year history of recurrent dyspnea, wheezing and cough – which indicated his condition should be classified as existing prior to service (EPTS). He was honorably discharged on 27 May 09. He was credited with 4 years, 9 months and 11 days of active service. _________________________________________________________________ AIR FORCE EVALUATION: AFPC/DPSD recommends denial. DPSD states the evidence reveals no error or injustice occurred during the disability process or at the time of separation. DPSD noted it appears the applicant’s medical condition EPTS due to his more than a 10-year history of recurrent of dyspnea, wheezing, and cough. The complete AFPC/DPSD evaluation is at Exhibit C. AFPC/DPSOA recommends denial. DPSOA states the applicant’s disability separation was appropriately processed. The applicant received the required RE code for an individual separated with a disability discharge. The complete AFPC/DPSOA evaluation is at Exhibit D. _________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION: Copies the Air Force evaluation were forwarded to the applicant on 20 Aug 10, for review and comment within 30 days. As of this date, no response has been received by this office. _________________________________________________________________ ADDITIONAL AIR FORCE EVALUATION: AFBCMR Medical Consultant recommends denial. The Medical Consultant notes it may well have been demonstrated the applicant had a reactive airway disease that manifested as bronchospasms upon exposure to animal dander. His clinical history does not show his recurrent emergency treatments for acute exacerbations were solely the result of exposure to animals as some were from physical exertion. Regardless of the trigger for his reactive airway disease, the fact is he has experienced difficult attacks requiring recurring intervention with oral and parenteral, steroids. The applicant’s recurrent treatment of his condition with steroids is an indicator of the serious and potential deadly nature of his illness. The Medical Consultant further notes the prognosis of a durable/stable recovery or remission of his underlying disorder is uncertain. The Medical Consultant also notes the applicant’s respiratory disorder has presented under circumstances which post an unreasonable health risk to him, if unable to gain immediate access to proper emergency intervention following an unexpected acute exacerbation of his condition. Although, the applicant contends he has had no symptoms since removing the dog from his environment, this does not guarantee he is free of the disease or the risks for recurrent exacerbations. The complete AFBCMR Medical Consultant’s evaluation is at Exhibit C. _________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF ADDITIONAL AIR FORCE EVALUATION: A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 15 Oct 10, for review and comment within 30 days. As of this date, no response has been received by this office. _________________________________________________________________ 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. We took notice of the applicant’s complete submission in judging the merits of the case; however, we agree with the opinion and recommendation of the Air Force offices of primary responsibility and adopt their rationale as the basis for our decision the applicant has failed to sustain his burden of proof of the existence of an error or injustice. After a thorough of the evidence of record, we believe the RE code he received is appropriate based on his medical separation and is in accordance with the governing instruction. Although the applicant contends that he is asthma free, we note that based on the history of his medical condition existing prior to service, there is a high probability of a reoccurrence of symptoms if exposed to the operational and extreme physical stressors of the military environment. Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no basis to recommend granting the relief sought in this application. _________________________________________________________________ THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT: The applicant be notified that the evidence presented did not demonstrate the existence of material error or injustice; that the application was denied without a personal appearance; and that 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-2010-01960 in Executive Session on 23 Nov 10, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603: , Panel Chair , Member , Member The following documentary evidence pertaining to AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2010-01960 was considered: Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 10 May 10, w/atch. Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records. Exhibit C. Letter, AFPC/DPSD, dated 16 Jun 10. Exhibit D. Letter, AFPC/DPSOA, dated 30 Jul 10. Exhibit E. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 20 Aug 10. Exhibit F. Letter, AFBCMR Medical Consultant, dated 13 Oct 10. Exhibit G. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 15 Oct 10, w/atch. Panel Chair