AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2012-00553
COUNSEL: NONE
HEARING DESIRED: NO
IN THE MATTER OF:
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:
He be allowed to terminate his spouse only coverage under the
Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP).
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:
He did not receive an SBP briefing nor was he provided
information on how to opt out of the program.
In support of his request, the applicant provided a copy of his
spouse declination statement.
The applicant's complete submission, with attachment, is at
Exhibit A.
_________________________________________________________________
STATEMENT OF FACTS:
On 31 Aug 11, the applicant was relieved from active duty and
retired for length of service on 1 Sep 11 in the grade of master
sergeant (E-7).
The remaining relevant facts pertaining to this application are
contained in the letter prepared by the appropriate office of the
Air Force, which is attached at Exhibit B.
_______________________________________________________________
AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
AFPC/DPSIAR recommends approval noting there is no evidence the
applicant received an SBP briefing or made an SBP election prior
to his retirement. Based on the possibility of an administrative
error, it would be appropriate to grant relief.
The complete AFPC/DPSIAR evaluation is at Exhibit B.
_______________________________________________________________
APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant
on 27 Mar 12, for review and comment within 30 days (Exhibit C).
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. Sufficient relevant evidence has been presented to
demonstrate the existence of an error or injustice. After
thoroughly reviewing the documentation submitted with this
appeal, we find the evidence is sufficient for us to recommend,
in the interest of justice, that the applicant’s record be
corrected. In that regard, we note that it appears the
applicant did not receive the required briefing on the SBP prior
to his retirement. Therefore, taking into consideration the
opinion and recommendation of the Air Force office of primary
responsibility, we recommend the applicant’s records be corrected
as indicated below.
_________________________________________________________________
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT:
The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force
relating to the APPLICANT, be corrected to show that on
31 Aug 11, he declined to elect coverage under the Survivor
Benefit Plan, and his spouse concurred in his decision.
_________________________________________________________________
The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket
Number BC-2012-00553 in Executive Session on 28 Nov 12, under the
provisions of AFI 36-2603:
Panel Chair
Member
Member
2
All members voted to correct the record as recommended. The
following documentary evidence pertaining to AFBCMR Docket Number
BC-2012-00553 was considered:
Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 6 Feb 12, w/atch.
Exhibit B. Letter, AFPC/DPISAR, dated 9 Mar 12.
Exhibit C. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 27 Mar 12.
Panel Chair
3
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