RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS
IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2005-03544
INDEX CODE: 108.02, 110.02
COUNSEL: NONE
HEARING DESIRED: NO
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:
His record be changed to reflect he was disability discharged based on
all his current medical conditions and that he be granted original
service connection and compensation retroactive from his date of
discharge to include compensation for his dependents.
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:
A service connection compensation exam was not completed at the time
of his discharge for the following issues: Recurring and chronic
peptic ulcer disease, gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and
some type of anemia, pancreas, thyroid disorder, and a pre diabetic
state. He also claims he suffered from cellulitis while stationed at
Upper Heyford Air Base in the UK, and a host of other medical issues
listed in his personal statement.
In support of his appeal, the applicant has provided a personal
statement, various parts of his service medical record (SMR),
personnel records, Veteran’s Administration (VA) records and medical
records from civilian providers.
Applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A.
_________________________________________________________________
STATEMENT OF FACTS:
Applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force on 14 February 1974. He
was progressively promoted to the grade of staff sergeant (SSgt) with
a date of rank (DOR) of 1 August 1981. He voluntarily separated from
the Air Force on his Expiration Term of Service (ETS), 5 February
1987. The evidence of record shows he performed his military duties
in an excellent manner during his 12 year, 11 month and 22–day
military career. His separation medical examination conducted on 16
October 1986 reported his health to be good and he was not taking any
medications. The examination documented a history of “Recurrent
mechanical back pain since 1978; no known injury, occurs occasionally;
Treated with physical therapy and muscle relaxants; Good results”;
“Elevated blood pressure on one occasion; 5 days blood checks were
normal”; and “Frequent indigestion, secondary to ulcer, treated with
Tagamet, good results.”. He was also diagnosed with high frequency
hearing loss which did not interfere with duties or require use of
hearing aids. He was medically cleared for continued world wide
service and separation. Following separation he has developed a
variety of non-service connected chronic medical problems for which he
is seeking Department of Veteran’s Affairs (DVA) and military
disability compensation. The DVA has granted a service connection
combined rating of 30%.
The remaining pertinent medical facts are contained in the evaluation
prepared by the BCMR Medical Consultant at Exhibit C.
_________________________________________________________________
AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
The BCMR medical consultant states the evidence of record clearly show
there were no medical conditions that warranted referral for
disability evaluation while in the service including during the year
leading up to his voluntary separation. He further states action and
disposition in this case are proper and equitable reflecting
compliance with Air Force directives that implement the law. He is of
the opinion no change in the records is warranted.
AFBCMR Medical Consultant’s complete response is at Exhibit C.
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 1
December 2006 for review and comment within 30 days. 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 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 and adopt its rationale as the basis
for our conclusion that the applicant has not been the victim of an
error or injustice. The AFBCMR Medical Consultant stated the evidence
of record reflects he performed his military duties in an excellent
manner, and while his medical records indicate the presence of various
medical conditions for which he sought treatment, none warranted
referral for disability evaluation while in the service including the
year leading up to his voluntary separation. Therefore, in the
absence of evidence to the contrary, 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 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 AFBCMR Docket Number BC-
2005-03544 in Executive Session on 11 January 2006, under the
provisions of AFI 36-2603:
Mr. Laurence M. Groner, Panel Chair
Mr. Todd L. Schafer, Member
Ms. Maureen B. Higgins, Member
The following documentary evidence was considered:
Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 11 Nov 05, w/atchs.
Exhibit B. Letter, AFBCMR Medical Consultant, dated 1 Dec 06.
Exhibit C. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 1 Dec 06.
LAURENCE M. GRONER
Panel Chair
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