RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS
IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: 98-02259
INDEX CODE: 124.00
COUNSEL: NONE
HEARING DESIRED: NO
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:
His records be corrected to show that all appropriate dental work was
not completed within 90 days prior to his separation.
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:
A complete dental examination was conducted on 19 Dec 97. However,
the noted problems were not corrected by follow-up care due to
retirement processing, holidays, and his inability to get care while
on terminal leave.
In support of his appeal, the applicant provided copies of his DD Form
214, Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty, and
extracts from his dental record.
Applicant’s complete submission is at Exhibit A.
_________________________________________________________________
STATEMENT OF FACTS:
Applicant contracted his initial enlistment in the Regular Air Force
on 16 Nov 71. He entered his last enlistment on 30 Nov 91 for a
period of 6 years. On 9 Jun 97, the applicant extended his enlistment
for a period of 12 months, resulting in a date of separation (DOS) of
29 Dec 98. During his service on active duty, he was progressively
promoted to the grade of senior master sergeant.
Applicant was relieved from active duty on 28 Feb 98 and retired for
length of service, effective 1 Mar 98, in the grade of senior master
sergeant. He was credited with 26 years, 3 months, and 15 days of
active duty service.
The relevant facts pertaining to this application are contained in the
letter prepared by the appropriate office of the Air Force.
Accordingly, there is no need to recite these facts in this Record of
Proceedings.
_________________________________________________________________
AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
The BCMR Medical Consultant reviewed this application and recommended
denial. The Medical Consultant indicated that a review of his dental
records revealed the applicant was furnished a statement that he did
complete all appropriate dental care and had a complete dental
examination within 90 days prior to his separation. Ongoing and
chronic dental problems were noted at the examination on 19 Dec 97 and
follow-up care was recommended at a facility in Florida during his
period of terminal leave, care which, apparently, was not available.
The Medical Consultant noted that the applicant had long-standing
dental and periodontal problems and had received care throughout his
military career. A dental record entry, dated 25 Nov 97 indicated
that the applicant had a poor history of compliance with maintenance
appointments following surgical therapy in 1977 and 1986 and then
later compromised maintenance in March 1995. Recommendations to quit
smoking to improve his dental health was not followed. According to
the Medical Consultant, the dental conditions at retirement were long-
standing and at least partially due to the applicant’s negligence in
assuring timely and continuous dental care.
A complete copy of the Medical Consultant’s evaluation was at Exhibit
C.
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
Applicant indicated that he was given a complete examination on 19 Dec
97. The disposition was to seek care at an Air Force base in Florida,
hardly what would qualify as complete care. The examination revealed
three cavities that would have been treated had he not departed
Ramstein Air Base. Upon his arrival at Eglin AFB, Florida, he
immediately carried his dental records to the dental clinic. He
informed the desk clerk of his status and requested appointments to
take care of the problems noted in the examination. After repeated
trips and lots of phone calls, he was finally given an appointment to
have his partial repaired, but not for the other problems. When he
arrived for his appointment on 10 Feb 98, he again requested that the
front desk have his record reviewed and schedule appointments for care
to fix the other problems noted in Dec. In mid to late Feb, he was
advised hat further appointments were unavailable.
In applicant’s view, this is a yes or no question that covered a
period of 90 days prior to 1 Mar 98. While the dental record showed a
complete examination, it also clearly showed that complete care was
not provided.
Applicant’s complete response is at Exhibit E.
_________________________________________________________________
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 probable error or injustice. The applicant's
complete submission was thoroughly reviewed and his contentions were
duly noted. However, we do not find his assertions, in and of
themselves, sufficiently persuasive to override the rationale provided
by the BCMR Medical Consultant. Therefore, in the absence of
sufficient evidence to the contrary, we agree with the recommendation
of the Medical Consultant and adopt his rationale as the basis for our
decision that the applicant has failed to sustain his burden of
establishing that he has suffered either an error or an injustice.
Accordingly, we find no compelling 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 probable 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 this application in
Executive Session on 18 Feb 99, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:
Mr. Richard A. Peterson, Panel Chair
Mr. Terry A. Yonkers, Member
Ms. Peggy E. Gordon, Member
The following documentary evidence was considered:
Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 3 Aug 98, w/atchs.
Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
Exhibit C. Letter, BCMR Medical Consultant, dated 14 Sep 98.
Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MIBR, dated 12 Oct 98.
Exhibit E. Letter, applicant, dated 27 Oct 98.
RICHARD A. PETERSON
Panel Chair
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