RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2014-02223 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: NO APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: His Reenlistment Eligibility (RE) code of 2Q (Personnel medically retired or discharged) be changed to allow reentry in the military. APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: He was discharged in Jul 09 due to revocation of mobility status after being diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis. His condition is now well managed with medication and proper diet. He was able to continue performing his job with only minor accommodations. After exhausting all other avenues of relief, an appeal to the Board is his last option. His condition has never impeded his ability to perform at the highest level. It is his sincerest hope to serve his country again by first having his RE code changed to allow him to reenlist. The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A. STATEMENT OF FACTS: The applicant initially entered the Regular Air Force on 25 Jun 97. On 31 May 07, the applicant was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis (UC) at Ajou University Medical Center, Suwon, Korea. On 12 Sep 08, the applicant was issued an AF Form 469, Duty Limiting Condition Report, requiring restroom facilities within 50 feet at all times and exemption from physical training (PT) runs outdoors, as well as restroom breaks as needed during work and PT. On 6 Nov 08, the applicant was referred to a Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) after meeting a Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) where he was diagnosed with UC. On 23 Jan 09, the applicant was found unfit for continued service at an Informal Physical Evaluation Board (IPEB). He was recommended for discharge with severance pay (DWSP) with a disability rating of ten percent. The applicant non-concurred with the IPEB and requested a formal hearing with counsel. On 20 Mar 09, the Formal Physical Evaluation Board (FPEB) reviewed the case file with medical records and determined the ulcerative colitis was unfitting with a disability rating of ten percent and recommended DWSP. The applicant did not accept the findings of the FPEB and requested his case be reviewed by the Secretary of the Air Force Personnel Council (SAFPC). On 8 May 09, SAFPC considered the applicant’s contention for permanent retirement with a 30 percent disability rating but concurred with the findings of the IPEB and FPEB and directed the applicant be discharged with severance pay, with a ten percent disability rating. On 28 Jul 09, the applicant was furnished an honorable discharge, with an RE code 2Q and narrative reason for separation of “Completion of Required Active Service,” and was credited with 12 years, 1 month, and 4 days of active service. On an unspecified date in Jun 14, AFPC/DPSO notified the applicant that his DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, was void and a new DD Form 214 was accomplished, which included the following changes: a. Block 25, Separation Authority, from AFI 36-3208, Administrative Separation of Airmen, to AFI 36-3212, Physical Evaluation for Retention, Retirement, and Separation. b. Block 28, Narrative Reason for Separation to “Discharge with severance pay.” The remaining relevant facts pertaining to this application are contained in the memorandums prepared by the Air Force offices of primary responsibility (OPR), which are attached at Exhibits C, D, and E. AIR FORCE EVALUATION: AFPC/DPFD recommends denial as it pertains to the disability process, indicating there is no evidence of an error or an injustice. The RE code of 2Q is correct for a member who was approved for a medical retirement or separation and JFL is the correct separation code for being medically separated. The preponderance of evidence reflects that no error or injustice occurred during the disability process. A complete copy of the AFPC/DPFD evaluation is at Exhibit C. AFPC/DPSOA recommends denial, indicating that the applicant has not provided any proof of an error or injustice related to his RE code. The applicant received an RE code of 2Q – “Personnel medically retired or discharged” and was paid $73,072.80 in severance pay based on his disability discharge. This RE code is correct per AFI 36-2606, Reenlistment in the USAF, chapter 3, based on his disability discharge. The applicant asks that his RE code be changed to 1A (Ineligible to reenlist, but condition waived). However, AFI 36-2606, states “Do not separate Airmen with this RE code.” Additionally, all RE codes in the 1 series state not to separate Airmen with those RE codes except for 1J (Eligible to reenlist, but elects separation). The applicant cannot be awarded RE code 1J as he was not eligible for consideration for reenlistment under the Selective Reenlistment Program (SRP) while going through the Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) process. A complete copy of the AFPC/DPSOA evaluation is at Exhibit D. BCMR Medical Consultant recommends denial of the applicant’s request to change his RE code. Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) which commonly affects the rectum and lower parts of the colon. Symptoms of the disease include, but may not be limited to, intermittent rectal bleeding, diarrhea with abdominal cramping, frequent straining with bowel movements and constipation. While medication and lifestyle modifications may reduce symptoms of the disease, flares are often a recurring challenge to managing symptoms. These events may have a number of “triggers” including stress, viral illnesses, and certain medications. In addition, UC flare events are often unpredictable and may require certain workplace accommodations which could interfere with mission accomplishment. The medical reviewer opines that UC is a chronic disease known to have unpredictable recurrences and other chronic health effects and therefore should be considered disqualifying for continued or reentry into military service. Given the often austere environmental conditions where service members may be required to serve, the risk of symptomatic recurrence does not justify consideration of a wavier authorization. A complete copy of the BCMR Medical Consultant’s evaluation is at Exhibit E. APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION: Copies of the Air Force evaluations were forwarded to the applicant on 11 Feb 15 for review and comment within 30 days (Exhibit F). 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 injustice. We took notice of the applicant’s complete submission in judging the merits of the case; however, we agree with the opinions and recommendation of the Air Force offices of primary responsibility (OPR) and the BCMR Medical Consultant and adopt their rationale as the basis for our conclusion the applicant has not been the victim of an error of injustice. Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no basis to recommend granting the requested relief. 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-2014-02223 in Executive Session on 25 Mar 15, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603: The following documentary evidence pertaining AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2014-02223 was considered: Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 27 May 14, w/atchs. Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records. Exhibit C. Memorandum, AFPC/DPFD, dated 9 Jul 14. Exhibit D. Memorandum, AFPC/DPSOA, dated 17 Jul 14. Exhibit E. Memorandum, AFBCMR, Medical Consultant, dated 14 Jan 15. Exhibit F. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 11 Feb 15.