RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  02-00187
		INDEX CODE:  110.02
		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His general (under honorable conditions) discharge be upgraded to honorable and the narrative reason for his separation be changed to reflect that he was discharged for medical reasons.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He has been out of the service for 6 months and has been successfully treated for severe depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).  Throughout his Air Force career his depression and PTSD were never diagnosed.  Had he been properly diagnosed and treated he would still be serving in the Air Force today.  His misconduct while serving on active duty was a direct result of his mental illness.  Because he was not properly treated, he had no control of his actions.

In support of his request applicant provided a personal statement and character reference statements.  His complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

Applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force on 7 Jan 98.  He was progressively promoted to the grade of airman (E-2) having assumed that grade effective and with a date of rank of 7 Feb 99.  

On 4 Apr 01, applicant was notified by his commander that she was recommending that he be discharged from the Air Force in accordance with AFPD 36-32 and AFI 36-3208, paragraph 5.49.  The specific reason for this action was he received Letters of Reprimand 3 Jun 99, 19 Jul 99, 9 Jan 01, and 23 Jan 01; a Letter of Counseling on 23 Jan 01, and Article 15 punishment on 13 Mar 01 which resulted in reduction to the grade of airman and a suspended forfeiture of $584.00.  Applicant acknowledged receipt of the notification on that same date.  After consulting counsel, he elected not to provide statements on his own behalf.  

In a legal review of the case file, the Chief, Military Justice found the case legally sufficient.  On 24 Apr 01, the wing commander directed that he be discharged from the Air Force with a general discharge, without probation and rehabilitation.  He was discharged on 27 Apr 01.  He served 3 years, 2 months, and 11 days on active duty. 

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The BCMR Medical Consultant reviewed applicant's request and recommends denial.  The Medical Consultant states that his records indicate that he had a pattern of recurring misconduct which interfered with his military duties and resulted in his discharge.  During his period of active duty he was properly treated and evaluated by mental health professionals for adjustment disorder, and by his report, personality disorder, although such a diagnosis had never been definitively established.  There was no indication or reported evidence to suggest that he suffered from depression or PTSD while on active duty.  The development of depression following discharge from the military is not evidence of depression while on active duty.  The Medical Consultant's evaluation is at Exhibit C.

AFPC/DPPRS reviewed applicant's request and recommends denial.  DPPRS states that the discharge was consistent with the procedural and substantive requirements of the discharge regulation and was within the sound discretion of the discharge authority.  His frequent misconduct warranted the character of service he was given.  He did not submit any new evidence or identify any errors in his discharge processing.  The DPPRS evaluation is at 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 12 Apr 02 for review and comment within 30 days.  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 careful consideration of the applicant’s request and the available evidence of record, we see no evidence of an error or injustice that would warrant a change in the characterization of his service or the reason for his discharge.  We agree with the opinions and recommendations of the Air Force offices of primary responsibility and adopt their rationale as the basis for our conclusion that the applicant has not been the victim of an error or injustice.  Therefore, in the absence of persuasive evidence to the contrary, we find no compelling 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 Docket Number 02-00187 in Executive Session on 13 Jun 02, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

    Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 6 Feb 02, w/atchs.
    Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
    Exhibit C.  Letter, BCMR Medical Consultant, dated 8 Mar 02.
    Exhibit D.  Letter, AFPC/DPPRS, not dated.
    Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 12 Apr 02.