RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS
IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2005-03326
INDEX CODE: 112.00
COUNSEL: NONE
HEARING DESIRED: YES
MANDATORY CASE COMPLETION DATE: 4 MAY 07
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:
Her reenlistment eligibility (RE) code be changed.
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:
She desires to enlist in the Air Force Reserves; however, she was informed
that with her current RE code (2Q) she is not eligible to enlist. She
states she has been medically cleared by several specialists and is
currently serving as a special agent for the federal government with the
responsibility of carrying a firearm to fulfill the duties of law
enforcement personnel.
In support of her request, the applicant provided a personal statement and
medical documentation.
Applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A.
_________________________________________________________________
STATEMENT OF FACTS:
The applicant entered active duty on 13 September 2000.
A Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) convened on 18 February 2003 and referred
her case to an Informal Physical Evaluation Board (IPEB) with a diagnosis
of seizure disorder and granulocytopenia. On 1 April 2003, the IPEB found
her unfit for further military service based on a diagnosis of seizure
disorder on anti convulsants and granulocytopenia. The IPEB recommended
that she be discharged with a combined compensable rating of 10%. The
applicant agreed with the findings and recommended disposition of the IPEB.
The Office of the Secretary of the Air Force directed that she be
separated from active service for physical disability. On 4 June 2003, the
applicant was honorably discharged under the provisions of AFI 36-3212 –
disability/severance pay. She served 2 years, 8 months, and 22 days on
active duty. The applicant received an RE code of 2Q – personnel medically
retired or discharged.
_________________________________________________________________
AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
The BCMR Medical Consultant recommends denial. The BCMR Medical Consultant
states the applicant experienced approximately four episodes of loss of
consciousness (syncope) while on active duty diagnosed as seizure disorder
leading to disability discharge. The applicant now submits a neurology
evaluation following separation that casts doubt on diagnosis of epilepsy
and favors vaso-depressor syncope (neurocardiogenic syncope, vaso-vagal
syncope). She has also submitted a normal cardiology evaluation including
tilt table testing that did not reproduce syncope during the test.
Neurocardiogenic syncope cannot be excluded by a negative tilt table test
(in particular a single test) as the occurrence of a false negative test is
estimated to occur from 14 to 30 percent. The cardiology evaluation
concluded her episodes of syncope in service were due to vaso-depressor
syncope. Whether epileptic or non-epileptic, her recurrent syncope/seizure
while in service was unfitting for continued military service and although
she reports currently doing well in this regard, remains disqualifying for
reentry due to the underlying risk for recurrence when exposed to the
rigors of military service. In addition to her recurrent syncope, the
applicant has a history of post traumatic stress disorder (currently rated
50 percent disabling by the DVA) that is disqualifying for entry into
military service (merely a history of such is disqualifying for entry).
Action and disposition in this case are proper and equitable reflecting
compliance with Air Force directives that implement the law.
The BCMR Medical Consultant’s complete evaluation is at Exhibit C.
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
On 2 October 2006, the evaluation was forwarded to the applicant for review
and comment within 30 days (Exhibit D). As of this date, this office has
received no response.
_________________________________________________________________
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. After a thorough review of the
evidence of record and the applicant’s submission, it is our opinion that
given the circumstances surrounding her separation from the Air Force, the
RE code assigned (2Q) was proper and in compliance with the appropriate
directives. The applicant has not provided any evidence which would lead
us to believe otherwise. Therefore, we agree with the BCMR Medical
Consultant and adopt his rational as the basis for our conclusion that the
applicant has not been the victim of an error or injustice. In the absence
of evidence to the contrary, we find no compelling basis to recommend
granting the relief sought.
_________________________________________________________________
THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT:
The applicant be notified the evidence presented did not demonstrate the
existence of an error or an 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-2005-
03326 in Executive Session on 2 November 2006, under the provisions of AFI
36-2603:
Mr. James W. Russell III, Panel Chair
Mr. Todd L. Schafer, Member
Ms. Maureen B. Higgins, Member
The following documentary evidence was considered:
Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 28 Oct 05, w/atchs.
Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
Exhibit C. Letter, BCMR Medical Consultant, dated 2 Oct 06.
Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 2 Oct 06.
JAMES W. RUSSELL III
Panel Chair
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