RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2002-01921
		INDEX CODE:  108.01	
		COUNSEL: 

		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His general (under honorable conditions) discharge be changed to reflect that he was discharged for medical reasons.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He is being treated for a severe nervous stomach condition, schizophrenia, and depression.  He was hearing voices while on active duty which caused him to get into trouble.  He went to see a psychologist but his condition was not diagnosed and he did not receive proper treatment for his illness.

In support of his request, applicant provided an emergency room report from his hospital and a statement of claim from the Department of Veterans Affairs (DAV).  His complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

Applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force on 1 Oct 97.  He was promoted to the grade of airman with an effective date and date of rank of 1 Apr 98.

On 15 Feb 00, applicant was notified by his commander that he was recommending that he be discharged from the Air Force in accordance with AFPD 36-32 and AFI 36-3208, paragraph 5.50, for a pattern of misconduct.  The specific reasons for this action was he received a Letter of Admonishment on 15 Jun 98; he received Letters of Reprimand on 22 Dec 98, 29 Oct 99, 12 Nov 99, and 8 Dec 99; he received a Letter of Counseling on 12 Mar 99; and, he received Article 15 punishment on 18 Dec 98 and 26 Jan 00.  He was advised of his rights in this matter and acknowledged receipt of the notification on that same date.  On 18 Feb 00, after consulting counsel, applicant submitted statements on his own behalf to his commander requesting probation and rehabilitation and an honorable discharge.  In a legal review of the case, the wing staff judge advocate, found the case legally sufficient and recommended that he be discharged with a general (under honorable conditions) discharge, without probation and rehabilitation.  The discharge authority concurred with the recommendation and directed that he be discharged.  Applicant was discharged from the Air Force on 7 Mar 00.  He served 2 years, 5 months, and 7 days on active duty.  

On 18 Mar 01, the Department of Veterans' Affairs denied the applicant's claims for service connection for schizophrenia, a stomach condition, and a depression condition.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The BCMR Medical Consultant recommends denial.  The Medical Consultant states that mental health evaluation prior to his discharge for misconduct found no evidence of unfitting mental illness including schizophrenia.  There is no documentation available to evaluate his contention that he was diagnosed with schizophrenia following his discharge.  There is nothing noted in the nature of his misconduct, or in his medical records that suggests he was experiencing symptoms of schizophrenia while on active duty.  There is no unusual behavior documented that in retrospect may be viewed as representing prodromal phase.  Difficulties with anger and marital difficulties are not specific enough and are common in individuals without mental illness.  This fact would suggest he experienced a sudden onset of symptoms soon after discharge leading to diagnosis.  He contends his misconduct is due to hearing voices however there is nothing in the nature of the incidents such as bizarre or unusual behavior noted in association with the misconduct that suggest they were the result of psychotic thinking that would mitigate the circumstances.  He was evaluated on three occasions in February 2000, by mental health professionals and on each occasion, his mental status examination was normal.  The Medical Consultant evaluation is at Exhibit C.

AFPC/DPPD recommends denial.  DPPD states that he received a physical examination records review in conjunction with his involuntary discharge process and it was determined he was qualified for worldwide duty and medically cleared for his ongoing discharge.  Documentation in his records verifies he was potentially and reasonably capable of performing his military duties; however, it appears he constantly required counseling and supervision to motivate and redirect him toward proper goals.  His performance reports confirm he was capable to performing his military duties, although comments do refer to his difficulty to operate effectively in a military environment.  He was treated for various medical conditions throughout his military career; however, his records show no condition existed that should have resulted in his referral to a Medical or Physical Evaluation Board.  He did not submit any documentation to substantiate his claim that this current medical condition of schizophrenia existed and was unfitting while on active duty.  The DPPD 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 Feb 03 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 probable error or injustice.  We see no evidence which would lead us to believe that at the time of his separation, he suffered from a physical condition that would disqualify him from worldwide military service.  Since there were no disqualifying medical conditions at the time of his separation, he would not have been eligible for consideration in the disability evaluation system.  Therefore, 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.  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 BC-2002-01921 in Executive Session on 6 May 03, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

    Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 9 Jun 02, w/atchs.
    Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
    Exhibit C.  Letter, BCMR Medical Consultant, dated 13 Jan 03.
    Exhibit D.  Letter, AFPC/DPPD, dated 20 Feb 03.
    Exhibit E.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 28 Feb 03.

                                   Panel Chair