RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 

AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS 

 

IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2010-01960 

 INDEX CODE: 112.00 

 COUNSEL: NONE 

 HEARING DESIRED: NO 

 

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: 

 

His reentry (RE) code of 2Q (Personnel medically retired or 
discharged) be changed to an eligible RE code. 

 

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: 

 

He was discharged for asthma, but he does not have asthma. He 
has reactive airway disease which is induced by dogs. Once he 
removed the dog he has had no asthma symptoms. 

 

In support of his request, the applicant provides a Department of 
Veterans Affairs (DVA) clinic note. 

 

The applicant's complete submission, with attachment, is at 
Exhibit A. 

 

_________________________________________________________________ 

 

STATEMENT OF FACTS: 

 

On 17 Aug 04, the applicant contracted his enlistment in the 
Regular Air Force. He was promoted to the grade of senior airman 
with date of rank of 17 Aug 07. He served an an Aircraft 
Armament Systems Journeyman. 

 

While on active duty the applicant experienced and was treated 
for recurring episodes of asthma. On 3 Nov 08, he underwent a 
Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) for mild persistent asthma. The 
MEB referred his case to the Informal Physical Evaluation Board 
(IPEB). On 26 Feb 09, the IPEB found the applicant unfit and 
recommended discharge under the provisions other than Chapter 61, 
Title 10, U.S.C. The IPEB noted that he had a greater than 10-
year history of recurrent dyspnea, wheezing and cough – which 
indicated his condition should be classified as existing prior to 
service (EPTS). 

 

He was honorably discharged on 27 May 09. He was credited with 
4 years, 9 months and 11 days of active service. 

 

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION: 

 

AFPC/DPSD recommends denial. DPSD states the evidence reveals no 
error or injustice occurred during the disability process or at 
the time of separation. DPSD noted it appears the applicant’s 
medical condition EPTS due to his more than a 10-year history of 
recurrent of dyspnea, wheezing, and cough. 

 

The complete AFPC/DPSD evaluation is at Exhibit C. 

 

AFPC/DPSOA recommends denial. DPSOA states the applicant’s 
disability separation was appropriately processed. The applicant 
received the required RE code for an individual separated with a 
disability discharge. 

 

The complete AFPC/DPSOA evaluation is at Exhibit D. 

 

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION: 

 

Copies the Air Force evaluation were forwarded to the applicant 
on 20 Aug 10, for review and comment within 30 days. As of this 
date, no response has been received by this office. 

 

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ADDITIONAL AIR FORCE EVALUATION: 

 

AFBCMR Medical Consultant recommends denial. The Medical 
Consultant notes it may well have been demonstrated the applicant 
had a reactive airway disease that manifested as bronchospasms 
upon exposure to animal dander. His clinical history does not 
show his recurrent emergency treatments for acute exacerbations 
were solely the result of exposure to animals as some were from 
physical exertion. Regardless of the trigger for his reactive 
airway disease, the fact is he has experienced difficult attacks 
requiring recurring intervention with oral and parenteral, 
steroids. The applicant’s recurrent treatment of his condition 
with steroids is an indicator of the serious and potential deadly 
nature of his illness. The Medical Consultant further notes the 
prognosis of a durable/stable recovery or remission of his 
underlying disorder is uncertain. The Medical Consultant also 
notes the applicant’s respiratory disorder has presented under 
circumstances which post an unreasonable health risk to him, if 
unable to gain immediate access to proper emergency intervention 
following an unexpected acute exacerbation of his condition. 
Although, the applicant contends he has had no symptoms since 
removing the dog from his environment, this does not guarantee he 
is free of the disease or the risks for recurrent exacerbations. 

 


The complete AFBCMR Medical Consultant’s evaluation is at Exhibit C. 

 

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF ADDITIONAL AIR FORCE EVALUATION: 

 

A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant 
on 15 Oct 10, 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 timely filed. 

 

3. Insufficient relevant evidence has been presented to 
demonstrate the existence of an error or an 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 offices of primary responsibility 
and adopt their rationale as the basis for our decision the 
applicant has failed to sustain his burden of proof of the 
existence of an error or injustice. After a thorough of the 
evidence of record, we believe the RE code he received is 
appropriate based on his medical separation and is in accordance 
with the governing instruction. Although the applicant contends 
that he is asthma free, we note that based on the history of his 
medical condition existing prior to service, there is a high 
probability of a reoccurrence of symptoms if exposed to the 
operational and extreme physical stressors of the military 
environment. Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the 
contrary, we find no 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. 

 

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The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket 
Number BC-2010-01960 in Executive Session on 23 Nov 10, under the 
provisions of AFI 36-2603: 

 

 , Panel Chair 

 , Member 

 , Member 

 

The following documentary evidence pertaining to AFBCMR Docket 
Number BC-2010-01960 was considered: 

 

 Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 10 May 10, w/atch. 

 Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records. 

 Exhibit C. Letter, AFPC/DPSD, dated 16 Jun 10. 

 Exhibit D. Letter, AFPC/DPSOA, dated 30 Jul 10. 

 Exhibit E. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 20 Aug 10. 

 Exhibit F. Letter, AFBCMR Medical Consultant, dated 13 Oct 10. 

 Exhibit G. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 15 Oct 10, w/atch. 

 

 

 

 

 

 Panel Chair