RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2013-02719 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: NO ________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: His narrative reason for separation of “Disability, Existed Prior to Service PEB” and Reentry Code (RE) of 2Q (Personnel medically retired or discharged) be changed to allow him to reenter military service. ________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: He passed all the physical requirements to enter the Air Force and was in good health throughout basic military training (BMT). He began experiencing back pain six months after entering military service. The Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) narrative states he began experiencing back pain after completing weight training for his Air Force Specialty. In support of his appeal, the applicant provides a copy of his DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty; SF Form 93, Report of Medical History; SF Form 88, Report of Medical Examination; and a MEB Narrative Summary. The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A. ________________________________________________________________ STATEMENT OF FACTS: On 15 Sep 94, the applicant commenced his enlistment in the Regular Air Force. According to a 13 Apr 95 medical narrative summary provided by the applicant, he began to experience lower back pain during technical training. He reported that he incurred a back injury (football) in the ninth grade. He further indicated he did not receive medical treatment by a physician. He was treated by his Primary Care physician and referred to orthopedic surgery. On 12 Apr 95, the applicant was diagnosed with lower back pain that existed prior to service (EPTS) and spondylolysis and a recommendation for back exercises, continuation of medication and entry-level separation with follow-up with a civilian orthopedic physician. On 18 Apr 95, the applicant underwent a Medical Evaluation Board (MEB). The MEB confirmed the diagnosis of spondylolysis with re-exacerbated back pain that EPTS. The MEB further noted the medical condition was not aggravated by military service and recommended return to duty for action under other directives. On 11 May 95, the applicant underwent an MEB at Wilford Hall Medical Center. The MEB reviewed his case and referred him to the Informal Physical Evaluation Board (IPEB). On 26 May 95, the IPEB reviewed the applicant’s case and recommended discharge under other than Chapter 61, 10 USC (EPTS). On 12 Jul 95, the applicant concurred with the findings and recommendations of the IPEB. On 13 Jun 95, the Secretary of the Air Force directed the applicant be separated due to a medical condition that EPTS. On 15 Sep 94, the applicant was honorably discharged with a narrative reason for separation of “Disability, Existed Prior to Service PEB,” along with a reentry code of 2Q (Personnel medically retired or discharged). ________________________________________________________________ AIR FORCE EVALUATION: AFPC/DPFD recommends denial indicating there is no evidence of an error or an injustice. While the applicant argues that his disability did not exist prior to service, but was caused by his service, documentation in his service medical records indicates that he had a history remarkable for football injuries in the ninth grade in which he was 'speared' from the back, which caused persistent back pain for about three months. No x-rays were done and he wore a truss to play football through grades 10 through 12. After coming to BMT, the applicant developed mild lower back pain after the physical conditioning run but he ignored it and actually improved by the end of training. Orthopedic evaluation revealed lower back pain existing prior to service and spondylolysis and recommended back exercises, continuation of current drug regimen and an entry-level separation with subsequent follow-ups with a civilian orthopedic surgeon. The IPEB recommended discharge under other than Chapter 61, 10 USC (EPTS) and the applicant concurred with the findings. The discharge message was sent on 21 Jun 95 and established the separation date as 29 Jun 95. The member served on active duty for 9 months and 15 days. The preponderance of evidence reflects that no error or injustice occurred during the disability process and the applicant received the required RE code for an individual separated with a disability discharge. A complete copy of the AFPC/DPFD evaluation is at Exhibit C. ________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION: A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 23 Aug 13 for review and comment within 30 days (Exhibit D). 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 not timely filed; however, it is in the interest of justice to excuse the failure to timely file. 3. Insufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of an error or 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 office of primary responsibility (OPR) and adopt its rationale as the basis for our conclusion the applicant has not been the victim of an error or injustice. 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 the evidence presented did not demonstrate the existence of material 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-2013-02719 in Executive Session on 18 Mar 14, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603: , Panel Chair , Member , Member The following documentary evidence pertaining to AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2013-02719 was considered: Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 3 Jun 13, w/atchs. Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records Exhibit C. Letter, AFPC/DPFD, dated 5 Jul 13. Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 23 Aug 13. Panel Chair