RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  02-00231
		INDEX CODE:  100.03, 100.06
		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

a.  His reenlistment eligibility (RE) code be changed.

b.  He be reinstated back into the Air Force.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He was discharged because of statements made by his military physician who stated that he has undergone two hospitalizations for exacerbations in symptoms and suicidal ideation.  The first hospitalization was the result of depression he was experiencing.  He had just arrived at Yokota AB, Japan during Christmas time and he didn't know anybody.  He talked about his feelings to a senior NCO who referred him to mental health.  The second hospitalization was the result of an email he sent to a friend who forwarded the email to his former first sergeant who in turn forwarded it to mental health at Yokota.  He was never allowed to explain that the email was all a misunderstanding and he was placed on suicide watch for 5 days.  Only one person came to his defense, but could not do it alone.  

A look at his performance reports and his service record will reveal the kind of person that he really is.

In support of his request, applicant provided a personal statement.  His complete submission is at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

Applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force on 13 Nov 96.  He was progressively promoted to the grade of senior airman, having assumed that grade effective and with a date of rank of 13 Nov 99.  

On 7 Nov 01, he was notified of his commanders intent to recommend that he be discharged from the Air Force under the provisions of AFPD 36-32 and AFI 36-3208, paragraph 5.1.11.1.  The reason for this action was that he was diagnosed with a mental disorder.  He was advised of his rights in this matter and he acknowledged receipt of the notification on that same date.  He consulted counsel and waived his right to submit matters on his own behalf.  In a legal review of the case file, the wing deputy staff judge advocate found the case legally sufficient and recommended that he be discharge without probation and rehabilitation.  The discharge authority concurred with the recommendations and directed that the applicant be discharged with an honorable discharge.  He was discharged on 29 Aug 01.   He served 4 years, 9 months, and 16 days on active duty.  He received an RE code of "2C."

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The BCMR Medical Consultant reviewed applicant's request and states that he was separated from the Air Force based on a diagnosis of Adjustment Disorder with Mixed Disturbance of Emotions and Conduct, Occupational Problems, and Personality Disorder.  He contends that he has no condition now, or at the time of his separation which would be disqualifying for reenlistment.  There is ample evidence in his medical record that based on the evaluation of multiple psychologists, mental health social workers, and a psychiatrist, that he had an unsuiting medical condition.  There did appear to be some difference in the records as to whether he had dysthymia (a mood disorder) or an adjustment disorder.  

While stationed at MacDill AFB FL, the applicant performed very well.  However, while stationed overseas he developed an adjustment disorder due to the stress of his overseas assignment.  His underlying personality disorder, previously not a problem, predisposed him to the development of the adjustment disorder when stressed.  Although he may be asymptomatic at this time, there is no guarantee that when stressed again with a deployment, overseas assignment, or other stressful situation, he would not experience a recurrence of symptoms that would impair his performance.  

His excellent performance while stationed at MacDill AFB and the apparent absence in his record of the disciplinary infractions frequently associated with a personality disorder is notable.  Although the diagnosis of an unsuiting condition cannot be disputed, the narrative reason for separation as personality disorder may be unjust as it may connote to a prospective employer, a pattern of behavior characterized by repeated disciplinary problems.  Such was not the instance in this case.  Consideration may be given to changing the narrative reason for separation to Secretarial Authority if a new psychiatry evaluation finds no evidence of personality disorder.  This will not change the fact that he had an unsuiting adjustment disorder.  The Medical Consultant recommends denial of his request to change his RE code and that he be allowed to undergo a military psychiatry evaluation or obtain a civilian psychiatry evaluation at his own expense and resubmit for consideration for change of the narrative reason for separation to Secretarial Authority.  The Medical Consultant 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.  The applicant did not submit any new evidence or identify errors or injustices in his discharge processing.  The DPPRS evaluation is at Exhibit D.

AFPC/DPPAE reviewed applicant's request and states that RE code 2C "Involuntarily separated with an honorable discharge; or entry level separation without characterization of service" is correct.  The DPPAE evaluation is at Exhibit E.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

Copies of the Air Force evaluations were forwarded to the applicant on 7 Jun 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 that would warrant a change to his RE code or reinstatement into the Air Force.  After a thorough review of the evidence of record and the applicant's submission, it is our opinion that given the circumstances surrounding his separation from the Air Force, the RE code assigned was proper and in compliance with the appropriate directives.  Applicant has not provided any evidence which would lead us to believe otherwise.  Therefore, we agree with the Air Force offices of primary responsibility and adopt their rational as the basis for our conclusion that he has not been the victim of an error or injustice.  In the absence of persuasive evidence to the contrary, we find no compelling basis to recommend granting the relief sought in this application.

4.  Notwithstanding the above, we note that the BCMR Medical Consultant has suggested that the applicant's narrative reason for separation, "Personality Disorder," may be unjust as it may connote a record of disciplinary infractions.  However, such was not the case in this particular application.  We agree with the BCMR Medical Consultant in this matter and believe that it would be an injustice for him to continue to suffer the adverse effects of such characterization.  We also note that the Medical Consultant has recommended that the applicant undergo a psychiatric evaluation prior to consideration of a change to his narrative reason.  However, we believe that correction to his narrative reason for separation is warranted based on the evidence of record.  Accordingly, we recommend that his records be corrected to the extent indicated below.  

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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 29 August 2001, he was separated under the provisions of AFI 36-3208, paragraph 1.2 (Secretarial Authority), with a separation code of "JFF."

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The following members of the Board considered Docket Number 02-00231 in Executive Session on 1 Aug 02, 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 21 Jan 02, w/atch.
    Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
    Exhibit C.  Letter, BCMR Medical Consultant, dated 4 Mar 02.
    Exhibit D.  Letter, AFPC/DPPRS, dated 4 Apr 02.
    Exhibit E.  Letter, AFPC/DPPAE, dated 28 May 02.
    Exhibit F.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 7 Jun 02.

                                   	

AFBCMR 02-00231

MEMORANDUM FOR THE CHIEF OF STAFF

	Having received and considered the recommendation of the Air Force Board for Correction of 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, be corrected to show that on 29 August 2001, he was separated under the provisions of AFI 36-3208, paragraph 1.2 (Secretarial Authority), with a separation code of "JFF."