RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS
IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2006-00431
INDEX CODE: 100.00
XXXXXXX COUNSEL: NONE
HEARING DESIRED: NO
MANDATORY CASE COMPLETION DATE: 17 August 2007
________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:
1. His entry level separation be changed to a medical discharge.
2. His Reenlistment Eligibility (RE) code be changed from “3K - Reserved
for use by AFBCMR” to “2Q - Personnel medically retired or discharged.”
3. His Separation Program Designator (SPD) code be changed from “JFW -
Failed Medical/Physical Procurement Standards” to “JTR - Disability - Non-
EPTS.”
________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:
Although he had a left shoulder injury as a civilian, he injured a
different part of his shoulder while on active duty, warranting his medical
discharge.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) confirms the injury is not the
same injury he had prior to entering the military. On 22 April 2005, a DVA
examiner noted that his current left shoulder condition was a result of or
caused by the injuries suffered in recruit training at Lackland AFB, and
that it was highly unlikely a patient would suffer recurrent, posterior
dislocations after surgery. In view of this, the DVA has awarded him a 10
percent disability rating.
In support of the appeal, applicant submits a 3 September 2005 DVA rating
decision and extracts from his medical records.
Applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A.
________________________________________________________________
STATEMENT OF FACTS:
Applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force on 26 March 2002 for a period
of 4 years. On 8 April 2002, the commander notified him that he was
recommending his discharge for failed physical standards (erroneous
enlistment). The reason for the action was that he received a medical
narrative summary, dated 1 April 2002, which found that he did not meet
minimum medical standards to enlist because of a history of recurrent
shoulder dislocation and pain. Carrying a backpack in basic training
exacerbated his pain. Applicant waived his right to consult legal counsel
and did not submit statements for consideration. The discharge authority
approved the separation on 8 April 2002 and ordered an entry-level
separation (uncharacterized).
On 10 April 2002, he was administratively discharged under the provisions
of AFI 36-3208, Administrative Separation of Airmen (failed
medical/physical procurement standards), SPD Code “JFW - Failed
Medical/Physical Procurement Standards with an uncharacterized entry-level
separation and an RE code of “4C - Separated for failure to meet physical
standards for enlistment.” He served 15 days of total active service.
On 11 July 2002, the DVA denied his request for service-connection for
recurrent anterior instability, left shoulder, because the disability pre-
existed service and was not incurred in or aggravated by service. On 24
January 2005, the DVA again denied his request because the evidence he
submitted was not new and material.
On 6 January 2004, the Board considered the applicant’s request that his RE
code be changed. In view of the supporting statement from the applicant’s
physician indicating his shoulder has healed and his medical condition
changed, the Board changed his RE code to “3K” which can be waived for
prior service enlistment. For an accounting of the facts and circumstances
surrounding the applicant’s separation, and the rationale of the earlier
decision by the Board, see the Record of Proceedings at Exhibit C.
On 3 September 2005, the DVA awarded him service-connection for status post
anterior dislocation of the left shoulder with surgery, with a compensable
disability rating of 10%, effective 29 October 2004.
________________________________________________________________
AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
The BCMR Medical Consultant recommends no change to the records and states,
in part, the medical facts support a pre-existing condition that
predisposed the applicant to left shoulder problems. His left shoulder
labral hypoplasia and anterior laxity were documented before military
service, at the time of his 2001 shoulder surgery. Furthermore, there is
no evidence that his condition was permanently aggravated by military
service. Applicant previously provided a 10 July 2002 note from his
physician indicating that his shoulder discomfort and motion/strength had
significantly improved by physical therapy to the extent that he could
reenter military service. In view of this, the AFBCMR changed his RE code
to “3K” to provide him an opportunity to reenlist. There was no report of
dislocation, anterior instability, subluxation or findings of rotator cuff
pathology. He now provides a 10% DVA rating decision in support of his
contention that he should have been medically discharged. However, the
fact that he has been granted a service-connected disability rating from
the DVA does not entitle him to Air Force disability compensation. The DVA
and military disability evaluation systems operate under Titles 38 and 10,
respectively. They are complementary systems not intended to be
duplicative. In addition, members completing less than six months service,
as in the applicant’s case, are not entitled to disability severance pay.
The BCMR Medical Consultant’s evaluation is at Exhibit C.
________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
A complete copy of the evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 22
January 2007, for review and comment. However, 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 BCMR Medical Consultant and
adopt his rationale as the basis for our conclusion that the applicant has
not been the victim of an error or injustice. 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 Docket Number BC-2006-00431
in Executive Session on 14 February 2007 and 1 March 2007, under the
provisions of AFI 36-2603:
Mr. James W. Russell, III, Panel Chair
Ms. Dee R. Reardon, Member
Mr. Jeffery R. Shelton, Member
The following documentary evidence was considered:
Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 31 Jan 06, w/atchs.
Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
Exhibit C. Record of Proceedings, w/atchs.
Exhibit D. Memo, BCMR Medical Consultant, dated 19 Jan 07.
Exhibit E. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 22 Jan 07.
JAMES W. RUSSELL, III
Panel Chair
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