RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  02-01106
		
	 	COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED: NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His uncharacterized entry-level separation be changed to a general or honorable discharge.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

In the month prior to his discharge, he was diagnosed with bi-polar disorder and was medicated for the condition.  As such, his discharge was due to conditions that were out of his control.

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

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

On 27 February 2001, the applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force for a period of four years and entered active duty.

Based on the applicant’s professed suicide ideation, he was seen in the Life Skills Support Center at --- AFB, ---, on 13 August 2001.  The licensed social worker and the psychiatrist agreed that his condition was so severe that it significantly impaired his ability to function in the military environment and he should be administratively discharged.  He was diagnosed with an adjustment disorder, with depressed mood and suicidal ideation.

On 23 August 2001, the commander notified the applicant of his intent to recommend his entry level separation.  After consulting with counsel, the applicant waived his right to submit statements on his own behalf.  The recommendation was approved by the discharge authority on 29 August 2001.

He was discharged on 6 September 2001, with an entry level separation, with uncharacterized service.  He completed 6 months and 10 days of active service.

During the processing of the application, AFPC/DPPAES discovered that the Reenlistment Eligibility (RE) code of 2K issued at the time of the applicant’s separation was incorrect and have administratively corrected it to reflect 2C.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATIONS:

The BCMR Medical Consultant recommends the application be denied and states, in part, that while the medical circumstances surrounding the applicant’s separation are limited by the absence of the service medical record, the discharge legal review is clear on the diagnosis made by the mental evaluation.  The applicant was diagnosed with an adjustment disorder with depressed mood and suicidal ideation.  Since this condition is unsuiting for military service, the applicant underwent entry level separation.  The action and disposition of this case are proper and equitable reflecting compliance with Air Force directives that implement the law.

The BCMR Medical Consultant evaluation is at Exhibit C.

AFPC/DPPRS recommends the application be denied and states, in part, that even though the applicant was on active duty after 180 days of continuous active service, the process of his discharge began before that point in time.  Therefore, the separation policy recognized it as an entry-level separation.

The AFPC/DPPRS evaluation is at Exhibit D.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATIONS:

A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 6 September 2002 for review and comment within 30 days.  As of this date, no response has been received by this office.

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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 relief should be granted.  Applicant’s contentions are duly noted; however, we do not find these assertions, in and by themselves, sufficiently persuasive to override the rationale provided by the Air Force.  The offices of primary responsibility have adequately addressed applicant’s contentions and we agree with their opinions and adopt the rationale expressed as the basis for our decision that the applicant has failed to sustain his burden that he has suffered either an error or an injustice.  Hence, 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 Docket Number 02-01106 in Executive Session on 12 November 2002 under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

    Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 27 Mar 02, w/atchs.
    Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
    Exhibit C.  Letter, BCMR Medical Consultant, dated 13 May 02.
    Exhibit D.  Letter, AFPC/DPPRS, dated 26 Aug 02.
    Exhibit E.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 6 Sep 02.