RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  01-01285
				INDEX CODE:  110.00
	APPLICANT	COUNSEL:  None

	SSN		HEARING DESIRED:  No

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

The statement "Personality Disorder" be deleted from block 28 on his DD Form 214.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

The aforementioned entry is unnecessary, derogatory in nature, and incompatible to an honorable discharge certificate.  He further contends that the statement "Personality Disorder" could be misinterpreted by potential employers during the screening process.

Applicant's complete submission is attached at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

Applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force on 25 Aug 87.  

The applicant was diagnosed with an Occupational problem and a Schizoid Personality Disorder on 15 Jan 99.

On 26 Apr 99, the applicant's commander initiated administrative discharge action for conditions (mental disorder) that interfere with military service.  The basis for this action was that the Clinical Psychologist diagnosed the applicant with an Occupational problem and Schizoid Personality Disorder on 15 Jan 99.  The Psychologist determined that the applicant's ability to perform effectively in the military environment was significantly impaired.  3 MDSS/CC stated in a memorandum, "that SSgt S. was evaluated by Mental Health due to his severe inability to work effectively with others.  He has demonstrated no supervisory skills, does not handle conflict well, is difficult to communicate with, and prefers to work alone."

The applicant was advised in the notification memorandum of the type of characterization he would receive and that he would be ineligible for reenlistment in the Air Force and would probably be denied enlistment in any component of the armed forces, and any special pay, bonus, or education assistance funds may be subject to recoupment.

The applicant was honorably discharged on 17 Jun 99, in the grade of staff sergeant.  He served 11 years, 9 months and 23 days of active service.

Applicant's EPR profile reflects the following:

			PERIOD ENDING 			OVERALL EVALUATION

			  24 Aug 90					4
			  18 Jul 91					4
			  18 Nov 91					4
			  *7 Jun 92					2
			   7 Jun 93					4
			   8 Dec 93					4
			   8 Dec 94					5
			   8 Dec 95					4
			   8 Dec 96					5
			   8 Dec 97					4
			  10 Jun 98					3
			  10 Mar 99					3

* Referral report.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The Chief Medical Consultant, AFBCMR, states that it is unusual after so many years of service that a service member's reason for discharge is Personality Disorder.  Upon reviewing the applicant's record the underlying disorder had been encountered throughout his career.  A full evaluation of the applicant's behavior early in his career would have identified the disorder and initiated his separation earlier.  Personality disorders, being a life long indication of an individual's character makeup, may not necessarily eliminate one from military service until the individual's ability to continue to function appropriately is overstressed by their situation or environment.  The Medical Consultant believes this is what happened to the applicant, thus initiating his discharge action.  The evidence of record clearly establishes that the applicant's discharge was appropriate to the circumstances of his separation.

A complete copy of the Medical Consultant’s evaluation is attached at Exhibit C.

HQ AFPC/DPPRS concurs with the comments and recommendations of the AFBCMR Medical Consultant.   DPPRS further states the discharge was consistent with procedural and substantive requirements of the discharge regulation.  Also, the discharge was within the sound discretion of the discharge authority.  Based on the evidence provided DPPRS recommends denying the requested relief (Exhibit D).

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

Copies of the Air Force evaluations were forwarded to the applicant on 15 Nov 01, for review and response.  As of this date, no response has been received by this office.  

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THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT:

1.	The applicant has exhausted all remedies provided by existing law or regulations.

2.	The application not timely filed.

3.	Sufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of probable error or injustice warranting a change of reason for discharge.  The Board agrees with the Medical Consultant that it was unusual after so many years of service, that the member's reason for discharge was Personality Disorder.  The applicant's records indicate that he served successfully for over 11 years.  In our opinion, the applicant should not have to bear the burden of being labeled as having this disorder after serving satisfactorily for so long.  In this respect a review of his EPRs indicates that he generally performed in an excellent manner despite front side markdowns.  The applicant's records further reflect that his performance earned him during his military service the Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award w/2 devices, Air Force Good Conduct Medal w/2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Overseas Ribbon Short, Air Force Overseas Ribbon Long w/1 device, Air Force Longevity Service Award w/1 device, Air Force Training Ribbon.  Therefore, the Board recommends changing the narrative reason for separation on the DD Form 214 to “Secretarial Authority.”

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THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT:

The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to APPLICANT be corrected to show that on 17 June 1999, he was honorably discharged under the provisions of AFI 36-3208, Secretarial Authority.

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The following members of the Board considered this application in Executive Session on 16 January 2002, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

All members voted to correct the records as recommended.  The following documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit A.	DD Form 149, dated 26 Apr 01.
	Exhibit B.	Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.	Letter, AFBCMR Medical Consultant, dated 
	1 Oct 01.
	Exhibit D.	Letter, HQ AFPC/DPPRS, dated 29 Oct 01.
	Exhibit E.	Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 15 Nov 01.

				
				Panel Chair

AFBCMR 01-01285
INDEX CODE:  110.00

MEMORANDUM FOR THE CHIEF OF STAFF

	Having received and considered the recommendation of the Air Force Board for Correction for Military Records and under the authority of Section 1552, Title 10, United States Code (70A Stat 116) it is directed that:

	The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to APPLICANT, SSN, be corrected to show that on 17 June 1999, he was honorably discharged under the provisions of AFI 36-3208, Secretarial Authority.

					
					Director
					Air Force Review Boards Agency