RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2014-03162 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: NO APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: His DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, be corrected as follows: a. Item 23 – Type of Separation, be changed from Entry Level Separation to Honorable Discharge. b. Item 24 – Character of Service, be changed from Uncharacterized to Honorable. APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: His discharge was not based on any misdeeds. It was due to failed medical/physical procurement standards and not any action or inaction on his part. He acted in good faith. In support of his request, the applicant provided a copy of his DD Form 214. The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A. STATEMENT OF FACTS: The applicant initially entered the Regular Air Force on 3 Jan 02. On 5 Feb 02, the applicant was notified by his commander she was recommending him for discharge for erroneous enlistment under AFI 36-3208, Administrative Separation of Airmen, Chapter 5, Section C, paragraph 5.14. Her reason for this action was the fact the applicant did not meet the minimum medical standards to enlist based on patella tendonitis. The applicant waived his right to consult counsel and submit a statement on his behalf. On 6 Feb 02, the discharge authority approved an entry level separation with an uncharacterized character of service. On 8 Feb 02, the applicant was furnished an Uncharacterized Entry Level Separation, and was credited with 1 month, and 6 days of active service. The remaining relevant facts pertaining to this application are contained in the memorandum prepared by the Air Force offices of primary responsibility (OPR), which are attached at Exhibits C and D. AIR FORCE EVALUATION: AFPC/DPSOR recommends denial indicating there is no evidence of an error or an injustice. Based on the documentation on file in the master personnel record, the discharge was appropriately administered and within the discretion of the discharge authority. The medical authorities concluded that the applicant had a pre- existing medical condition that would have precluded him from enlisting in the Air Force had the condition been made in advance. Hence, both the commander and the discharge authority correctly concluded that discharge was in order. The Department of Defense (DoD) has determined if a member served less than 180 days, it would be unfair to the member and the service to characterize their limited service. Therefore, the Uncharacterized character of service on the applicant’s DD Form 214 is correct and in accordance with DoD and Air Force instructions. The applicant’s service characterization is correct on the DD Form 214. Airmen are given Entry Level Separation and Uncharacterized service characterization when separation is initiated within the first 180 days of continuous active service. A complete copy of the AFPC/DPSOR evaluation is at Exhibit C. AETC/SGPS recommends denial indicating there is no evidence of an error or an injustice. Based on the documentation on file in the applicant’s records, they find the separation was done in accordance with established policy and administrative procedures. The applicant was seen on 28 Jan 02 at Reid clinic for knee pain. He was evaluated and given the diagnosis of Patella Femoral Syndrome. This diagnosis is not conductive to military service; therefore the applicant was processed for an entry level separation. This condition tends to become symptomatic with strenuous physical activity and he remains disqualified for military service. A complete copy of the AETC/SGPS evaluation is at Exhibit D. APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION: Copies of the Air Force evaluations were forwarded to the applicant on 6 Feb 15 for review and comment within 30 days (Exhibit E). 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 opinions and recommendations of the Air Force offices of primary responsibility (OPR) 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-2014-03162 in Executive Session on 25 Jun 15 under the provisions of AFI 36-2603: , Panel Chair , Member , Member The following documentary evidence pertaining AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2014-03162 was considered: Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 31 Jul 14, w/atchs. Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records. Exhibit C. Memorandum, AFPC/DPSOR, dated 2 Oct 14. Exhibit D. Memorandum, AETC/SGPS, dated 10 Oct 14. Exhibit E. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 6 Feb 15.