RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  01-02456
		INDEX CODE:  110.00; 110.02

		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  YES

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

Her reenlistment eligibility (RE) code of 2C (Involuntarily separated with an honorable discharge; or, entry level separation without characterization of service) be changed; her separation code be changed; and the narrative reason for her discharge be corrected.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

The diagnosis of “Personality Disorder” is incorrect according to the Air Force clinical psychologist and her civilian psychiatrist.  The diagnosis was made while she was in alcohol detoxification at Fort Bragg, NC.  She requested and was provided a treatment program.  Her civilian psychiatrist feels that this diagnosis is not credible due to the physical, mental, and emotional state she was in when the diagnosis was made.  A second evaluation at Pope AFB, NC determined that she might have borderline traits, which is not a grounds for discharge under AFI 36-3208.  She feels the significant difference between the two diagnoses has been taken lightly. 

She contends that there is a possibility of a misdiagnosis, and she is willing to be reevaluated.  The reason for discharge has hindered her ability to find employment.

The application, with attachments, is at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant entered on active duty on 26 May 1999.  She was honorably discharged on 12 June 2001, under the provisions of AFI 36-3208 (Personality Disorder).  She had completed 2 years and 17 days on active duty and was serving in the grade of E-3.  She received an RE Code of 2C (Involuntarily separated with an honorable discharge; or, entry level separation without characterization of service) and a separation code of JFX.

The remaining relevant facts pertaining to this application, extracted from the applicant’s military records, are contained in the letters prepared by the appropriate offices of the Air Force at Exhibits C, D, and E.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATIONS:

The BCMR Medical Consultant stated that the applicant’s continual need for psychiatric counseling and multiple medications clearly indicate an underlying character make-up that, while perhaps not diagnosed under ideal circumstances, nonetheless was apparent in the workplace and to her peers and supervisors.  Therefore, in order to correct a likely injustice of improperly labeling the applicant’s disorder, her request to change the reason for discharge should be granted.  The RE code of 2C properly reflects her involuntary honorable discharge and should not be changed.  The DD Form 214 should be corrected in Item 28 (Narrative Reason for Separation) to read “Secretarial Authority”; and Item 26 (Separation Code) should be corrected to read “KFF.”

The complete evaluation is at Exhibit C.

HQ AFPC/DPPRS concurred with the AFBCMR Medical Consultant’s recommendation that the applicant’s narrative reason for separation should be changed to “Secretarial Authority” with a separation code of “KFF.”

This evaluation is at Exhibit D.

HQ AFPC/DPPAE stated that RE code 2C is correct.

This evaluation is at Exhibit E.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATIONS:

Copies of the evaluations were forwarded to the applicant on 30 November 2001, for review and response within 30 days (Exhibit F).  As of this date, she has not responded.

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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.  Sufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of probable error or injustice in regards to the applicant being diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder.  While we have no reason to question the capabilities of the diagnosing physician, the letters of support provided by the applicant disputing the diagnosis do cause us to have some doubt.  We note that the re-evaluation of the applicant was performed when her alcohol dependency was in remission while during the original evaluation, she was undergoing alcohol detoxification.  According to the BCMR Medical Consultant, it is recognized that psychological testing performed in periods of duress (e.g., alcohol detoxification processing) is fraught with pitfalls and validity concerns.  In view of this and to avoid the appearance of an injustice, we feel that the doubt created over the applicant’s diagnosis should be resolved in her favor.  Therefore, we agree with the recommendation of the BCMR Medical Consultant to change the reason for discharge to “Secretarial Authority” with a corresponding separation code.

4.  Notwithstanding our determination that the narrative reason for discharge should be changed, we do not find sufficient grounds to change the applicant’s RE code.  We believe the applicant’s actions that led to her discharge make her unsuitable for military service and that her commander was justified in his actions.  We do not find the applicant’s RE code to be in error or unjust and, therefore, find no basis to favorably consider this part of her request.

5.  The applicant's 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.

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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 12 June 2001, she was discharged under the provisions of AFI 36-3208 by reason of “Secretarial Authority,” with separation code “KFF.”

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The following members of the Board considered this application in Executive Session on 31 Jan 01, 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 12 Jun 01, w/atchs.
     Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
     Exhibit C.  Memorandum, BCMR Medical Consultant,
                 Dated 3 Oct 01.
     Exhibit D.  Memorandum, AFPC/DPPRSP, dated 29 Oct 01.
     Exhibit E.  Memorandum, AFPC/DPPAE, dated 21 Nov 01.
     Exhibit F.  Letter, SAF/MIBR, dated 30 Nov 01.