RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  02-00956
		INDEX NUMBER:  110.00
	XXXXXXXXX	COUNSEL:  None
AKA:  XXXXXXXXXX

	XXX-XX-XXXX	HEARING DESIRED:  No

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

Block 28 of his DD Form 214, “Narrative Reason For Separation” be changed from “Personality Disorder” to “Secretarial Authority.”

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

His condition was service related and no longer exists.

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

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force on 2 Aug 95 for six years.  A resume of his Enlisted Performance Reports follows:

	Closeout Date				Overall Rating
	  1 Apr 97					5
	 26 Feb 98					5
	 26 Feb 99					5
	 26 Feb 00					4
	 26 Feb 01					2

The remaining facts relevant to this application are found in the evaluations prepared by the appropriate offices of the Air Force found at Exhibit C and D.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The BCMR Medical Consultant recommends that the applicant’s request be denied.

Following initiation of non-judicial punishment for failure to go, the applicant was hospitalized 17 Nov 00 for anxiety and depressive symptoms and was diagnosed with an adjustment disorder.  He had been having symptoms of anxiety and depressed mood for a few years but the stress of work and a recent divorce increased his symptoms.  The inpatient psychiatrist recommended administrative separation, but the applicant’s commander decided to retain him on active duty.  His symptoms worsened and he was diagnosed with major depression by Feb 01.  He underwent a Medical Evaluation Board in Feb 01 and in Mar 01 the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) returned him to duty with a recommendation for administrative processing since his condition was unsuiting rather than unfitting.  Shortly after learning of the PEB’s decision, the applicant made a suicidal gesture and was hospitalized for less than 24 hours.  The applicant’s newly assigned commander directed a mental health evaluation.  The applicant was diagnosed with an adjustment disorder and personality disorder unsuiting for continued military service.  The applicant was subsequently administratively separated from service with an honorable discharge.

The applicant’s records document an adjustment disorder and personality disorder.  Personality disorders are lifelong patterns of maladjustment in the individual’s personality structure which are not medically disqualifying or unfitting, but may render the individual unsuitable for further military service and may be cause for administrative action by the individual’s unit commander.  Adjustment disorders are characterized by marked psychological distress in excess of what would be expected given the nature of the stressors, and frequently, significant impairment in social and occupational functioning.  Symptoms of Adjustment Disorder are often, but not always, manifestation of an underlying personality disorder.  Action and disposition in this case are proper and equitable reflecting compliance with Air Force directives that implement the law.

The complete evaluation is at Exhibit C.

AFPC/DPPRS recommends denial of the applicant’s request.  Applicant did not submit any new evidence identifying any errors or injustices that occurred in the discharge proceedings.

The complete 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 28 June 2002 for review and comment within 30 days.  To date, a response has not been received.

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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.  We took notice of the applicant's complete submission in judging the merits of the case; however, we agree with the opinions and recommendations of the Air Force office 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 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 02-00956 in Executive Session on 21 August 2002, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

    Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 11 Mar 02, w/atchs.
    Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
    Exhibit C.  Memorandum, BCMR Medical Consultant,
                Dated 31 May 02.
    Exhibit D.  Memorandum, AFPC/DPPRS, dated 18 Jun 02.
    Exhibit E.  Letter, SAF/MIBR, dated 28 Jun 02.