RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBERS:  01-02264
				INDEX CODE 100.06
	 			COUNSEL:  None

	 			HEARING DESIRED:  No

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His reenlistment eligibility (RE) code be changed from “2C” (Involuntarily separated with an entry level separation without characterization of service) to “1B” [sic – There is no “1B” RE code. Presumably the applicant wants “1J” (Eligible to reenlist, but elects separation).]

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He took Ritalin to suppress his attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and mood disorder when he was 12-15 years old. His doctor took him off Ritalin at age 15 and he has not taken any medication for ADHD. On 17 Jan 02, he was given a full medical evaluation at the Fort Rucker Army Aeromedical Center and found to meet the mental and physical requirements to serve in the Armed Forces. He therefore requests that his RE code be upgraded so he may apply for enlistment. The applicant provides supporting statements from his parents, his pastor, and a Fort Rucker Family Nurse Practitioner. 

The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant entered active duty on 17 Oct 00. He was recycled in basic military training (BMT) for making unauthorized telephone calls. While in BMT, he began experiencing symptoms of depression, uncontrollable anger, difficulty with impulse control and attention difficulties. 

Around 4 Dec 00, the applicant self-referred for counseling, complaining of “personnel issues.” According to a 4 Dec 00 Wilford Hall Medical Center (WHMC) Department of Mental Health evaluation, the applicant reported that he was treated for ADHD and depression from ages 16-17. However, he discontinued his medication at age 17 and had no difficulty since that time until BMT.  He also revealed extensive alcohol and drug use histories. He admitted he did not disclose his mental health and substance abuse histories for fear of not being allowed to enlist. He denied thoughts of harming himself and others. His mother was contacted and verified his mental health history of treatment for depression and ADHD. The psychologist diagnosed the applicant as having adjustment disorder with depressed mood and ADHD by history. The doctor opined that the applicant would continue to experience difficulties in the military environment and recommended administrative separation. 

On 8 Dec 00, the commander notified the applicant that, based on the WHMC mental health evaluation and diagnosis, he intended to recommend him for an entry level separation for mental disorders.  The applicant waived his right to consult counsel and submit statements. Legal review found the case sufficient to support separation.  On 11 Dec 00, the discharge authority directed the applicant’s uncharacterized entry-level separation for mental disorders.

The applicant was separated on 14 Dec 00 in the grade of airman basic for personality disorder with uncharacterized service. He had 1 month and 28 days of active service. 

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The BCMR Medical Consultant notes the case was properly evaluated.  The Consultant indicates there is no evidence of error or irregularity and no change in the records is warranted.

A complete copy of the evaluation is at Exhibit C.

The HQ AFPC/DPPRS believes the discharge was consistent with the procedural and substantive requirements of the discharge regulations at the time. The discharge was within the sound discretion of the discharge authority.  

A complete copy of the evaluation is at Exhibit D.

HQ AFPC/DPPAE advises that the RE code of “2C” is correct.

A complete copy of the evaluation is at Exhibit E.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

Complete copies of the Air Force evaluations were forwarded to the applicant on 31 May 02 for review and comment within 30 days. The letters were returned and resent to the applicant’s new address on 21 Jun 02.  As of this date, this office has received no response. 

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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 error or injustice. After a thorough review of the evidence of record and applicant’s submission, we are not persuaded that his RE code should be changed. Applicant’s contentions are duly noted; however, we do not find these uncorroborated assertions, in and by themselves, sufficiently persuasive to override the rationale provided by the Air Force. We therefore agree with the recommendations of the Air Force and adopt the rationale expressed as the basis for our decision that the applicant has failed to sustain his burden of having suffered either an error or an injustice. In view of the above and absent persuasive evidence to the contrary, we find no compelling basis to recommend granting the relief sought.

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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 this application in Executive Session on 6 August 2002 under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:
               Panel Chair
						Member
						Member

The following documentary evidence relating to AFBCMR Docket Number 01-02264 was considered:

   Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, undated, w/atchs.
   Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
   Exhibit C.  Letter, AFBCMR Medical Consultant, dated 29 Apr 02
   Exhibit D.  Letter, HQ AFPC/DPPRS, dated 16 May 02.
   Exhibit E.  Letter, HQ AFPC/DPPAE, dated 22 May 02.
   Exhibit F.  Letters, SAF/MRBR, dated 31 May & 21 Jun 02.