RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS
IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2014-00141
COUNSEL: NONE
HEARING DESIRED: YES
APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:
He receive 48 months of additional constructive service credit (CSC) for the time he spent obtaining his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree.
APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:
When AFPC computed his CSC after he completed his Doctorate in Medicine (MD), they awarded him four years of CSC credit for his MD degree, but didnt award him any credit for the time he spent earning his PhD even though he spent an additional 48 months obtaining his PhD. In accordance with AFI 36-2005, Appointment In Commissioned Grades And Designation And Assignment In Professional Categories--Reserve Of The Air Force And United States Air Force, he should have received CSC for the time he spent pursuing his PhD as well. He submitted his dissertation for his PhD in Aug 06 and also began his studies toward his MD in Aug 06. These degrees were not earned concurrently.
The applicants complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A.
STATEMENT OF FACTS:
In Jun 99, the applicant began his studies for his PhD.
In Aug 06, the applicant began his studies for his MD with the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS).
In 18 May 07, he was awarded his PhD degree.
On 15 May 10, he was awarded his MD degree.
The remaining relevant facts pertaining to this application are described in the memoranda prepared by the Air Force offices of primary responsibility (OPR), which are included at Exhibits C and D.
AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
AFPC/DPAN recommends partial approval, indicating there is evidence of an error or injustice. The applicant was pursuing his PhD when he was selected to attend USUHS to pursue his MD. Because he received four years of service credit for his MD degree, he was appointed to the grade of captain (O-3). The applicant could also be authorized up to 48 months of CSC for his work on his PhD, as long as the time spent receiving his PhD is not earned concurrently with the time he spent earning his primary credentials (MD). A period shall not be counted twice. In addition, the PhD must add adjunctive skills to his primary specialty and contribute directly to his performance in the specialty into which he is being appointed. After applying the approved computation methodologies for awarding CSC, the applicant is entitled to an additional 2 years, 11 months, and 26 days of CSC for the time he spend working towards his PhD.
A complete copy of the AFPC/DPAN evaluation, with attachments, is at Exhibit C.
AFPC/DPSIPV recommends approval. AFPC/DPANF recommended the applicant approval of an additional 2 years, 11 months, and 27 days of CSC towards his initial Current Grade Date of Rank (CGDOR). Therefore, his new CGDOR to the grade of captain should reflect 18 May 2007, with an effective date of rank 15 May 2010.
A complete copy of the AFPC/DPSIPV evaluation, with attachments, is at Exhibit D.
APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
Copies of the Air Force evaluations were forwarded to the applicant on 28 Jul 14 for review and comment within 30 days (Exhibit E). 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 injustice. We took notice of the applicant's complete submission in judging the merits of the case and agree with the opinions and recommendations of the Air Force offices of primary responsibility (OPR) and adopt their rationale as the basis for our conclusion that partial relief should be granted. While the Board notes the applicant is requesting 48 months of CSC for the period of time he spent obtaining his PhD in Philosophy, we agree with the position and recommendation of AFPC/DPAN that only the portion of the 48 months he is requesting that was not concurrent with his work toward his medical degree should be credited in accordance with current guidance. Therefore, we recommend the applicants record be corrected to the extent indicated below.
4. The applicants case is adequately documented and it has not been shown that a personal appearance with or without counsel will materially add to our understanding of the issues involved. Therefore, the request for a hearing is not favorably considered.
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT:
The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to the APPLICANT be corrected to show that he was awarded 2 years, 11 months, and 27 days constructive service credit for completion of his Doctor in Philosophy degree, establishing a Current Grade Date of Rank (CGDOR) to captain of 18 May 2007, with an effective date of rank to captain of 15 May 2010.
The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2014-00141 in Executive Session on 2 Dec 14 under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:
Panel Chair
Member
Member
All members voted to correct the records as recommended. The following documentary evidence was considered:
Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 8 Oct 14 (sic), w/atchs.
Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
Exhibit C. Memorandum, AFPC/DPAN, dated 20 May 15 (sic), w/atchs.
Exhibit D. Memorandum, AFPC/DPSIPV, dated 1 Jul 14.
Exhibit E. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 28 Jul 14, w/atchs.
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