RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS


IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2013-02105

	XXXXXXX	COUNSEL:  NONE

			HEARING DESIRED:  NOT INDICATED

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His Fitness Assessments (FAs), dated: 20 Sep 12, 19 Dec 12, and 21 Mar 13 be declared void and removed from the Air Force Fitness Management System (AFFMS).
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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He was taking medications that elevated his heart rate which precluded him from obtaining an overall satisfactory rating on the contested FAs.

His physician indicated that the medications he was taking have the potential to increase heart rate.

www.drugs.com indicates that the medications he was prescribed cause elevated heart rates.

The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A.
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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant is currently serving as a Staff Sergeant (E-5) in the Regular Air Force.

The applicant participated in the contested FAs on 20 Sep 12, 19 Dec 12, and 21 Mar 13.  He failed to meet the required 75 minimum composite score in each assessment.

On 20 Feb 14, a similar request was considered and denied by the Fitness Assessment Appeals Board (FAAB), due to insufficient evidence.


In accordance with (IAW) guidance at the time of contested FA, AFI 36-2905_ Fitness Program, AFGM 4&5 (26 Jun 12 & 3 Jan 13), Attachment 1, Section 10, “If an Airman becomes injured or ill during the FA and is unable to complete all required components, he/she will have the option of being evaluated at the Medical Treatment Facility (MTF) but his/her test will still count unless rendered invalid by the Unit Commander.  If the medical evaluation validates the illness/injury, the Unit Commander may invalidate the test results.  The Airman will then be required to retest within 5 duty days or when capable based on the recommendations of the medical provider/MLO and the Exercise Physiologist.  If an AF Form 422 is required, an additional 7 days will be allowed for the AF Form 422 to be generated and provided.

IAW AFI 36-2905_ AFGM 4&5 (26 Jun 12 & 3 Jan 13), paragraphs 2.3.2 through 2.3.2.2 All members must complete the Fitness Screening Questionnaire (FSQ) prior to FA.  The FSQ should be completed no earlier than 30 calendar days, but no later than 7 days prior to FA to provide time for medical evaluation, when indicated; however, failure to complete FSQ does not invalidate the FA.  A medical provider must evaluate all members with health issues identified on the FSQ prior to the FA.  Member must notify the Unit Fitness Program Manager (UFPM) of the assessment/training clearance status from the provider.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPSIM recommends denial of the applicant’s request to remove the contested FAs.  In accordance with AFI 36-2905 _AFGM4 dated 26 Jun 12 nor AFI 36-2905 AFGM5 dated 3 Jan 13 did not list the applicant’s medications as medications affecting FA participation.

A complete copy of the AFPC/DPSIM evaluation, with attachments, is at Exhibit B.

The BCMR Medical Consultant recommends denial and states, in part, the applicant’s submission is insufficient to meet the burden of proof of an error or an injustice that warrants the desired change of the record.

A complete copy of the BCMR Medical Consultant advisory is at Exhibit C.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

A copy of the Air Force evaluation, with attachments, and the BCMR Medical Consultant’s evaluation, were forwarded to the applicant on 31 Mar 14 for review and comment within 30 days.  

In response, the applicant submits a letter from his medical provider who indicated that it is “possible” that his medication could cause the patient’s heart rate to increase.  Specifically the provider states, “Paxil is known in greater than 1 percent of individuals to cause tachycardia at rest”  and “Wellbutrin is also well known for potentially increasing heart rate with exertion or rest.”  In addition he provides an AF FM 422, dated on 7 May 13, which provides detailed exercise guidance for the applicant and an AF FM 469, dated 19 Nov 12 and expiring 19 Feb 2013, which indicates “No Running greater than ½ mile” and “No Sit-Ups” (Exhibit D).
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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.  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 the BCMR Medical Consultant and adopt their rationale as the basis for our conclusion the applicant has not been the victim of an error or injustice.  While we note the applicant provided additional evidence from his medical provider indicating that it is “possible” for his medication to cause an increase in heart rate, he has not met his burden of proving the contested FA should be removed from his records.  Additionally, we considered the AF Form 469 and AF Form 422; however, these documents do not exempt him from the contested FAs.  In this respect, we note the AF Form 422 was issued after the contested FAs and does not state what components he should or should not have been exempt from when participating in an FA.  Similarly, the AF Form 469 is only applicable to one of the three FAs and actually confirms that he did in fact test within the recommendations of his profile.  Moreover, the applicant’s submission does not contain a letter from his commander requesting the FAs be invalidated or the Fitness Screening Questionnaire he was required to complete prior to participating in the assessments.  Should the applicant provide such evidence, we would be willing to reconsider his request.  However, in view of the above and in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no basis to recommend granting the relief sought in this application.
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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-2013-02105 in Executive Session on 1 May 14, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

	XXXXXXX, Panel Chair
	XXXXXXX, Member
	XXXXXXX, Member

The following documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 23 Apr 13, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.  Letter, AFPC/DPSIM, dated 25 Sep 13, w/atchs.
	Exhibit C.  Letter, BCMR Medical Consultant, dated 14 Mar 14.
	Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 31 Mar 14.




                                   XXXXXXX
                                   Panel Chair