RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  02-01957
		INDEX CODE:  110.00

		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

The Character of Service on her DD Form 214, Block 24, be corrected to read “honorable” rather than “uncharacterized.”

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

She served in the U.S. Air Force and was given a discharge due to medical conditions and was granted 20% service connected compensation by the Department of Veterans Affairs for the same disabilities that prevented her from serving her full enlistment.  She respectfully requests that she be granted an honorable discharge for her true and faithful service in the U.S. Air Force.

In support of the appeal, applicant provides a copy of her DD Form 214, a copy of a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs granting her claim for a compensation, and a copy of her Rating Decision.

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

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force on 24 July 1998.

On 7 October 1998, the applicant was diagnosed as having an adjustment disorder with depressed mood.  This diagnosis did not meet retention standards for continued military service and her ability to function in the military was significantly impaired.  On 16 October 1998, the commander notified the applicant that she was being discharged for a condition that interfered with military service, specifically for mental disorders.

On 29 October 1998, the applicant was administratively discharged with an entry-level separation for an unsuiting Adjustment Disorder, with character of service as uncharacterized.  She served a total of 4 months and 6 days of active duty.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The BCMR Medical Consultant states that Adjustment Disorder is characterized by marked psychological distress in response to identifiable stressors that overcome the individual’s ability to cope and is frequently associated with significant impairment in social and occupational functioning.  The emotional and behavioral responses may be in excess of what would normally be expected given the nature of the stressors.  Manifestations can include depressed mood, anxiety, and disturbances of conduct.  A key feature of Adjustment Disorder is that the condition typically resolves with relief of the stressors and criteria for depression are not met.  Adjustment Disorder when severe enough is unsuiting for continued military service and cause for administrative discharge.

Airmen are in entry-level status during the first 180 days of continuous active military service and if administratively separated during this period receive an entry-level separation.  This discharge does not attempt to characterize the type of service as either good or bad, thus the DD 214 reflects “uncharacterized”.  An honorable characterization may be given by the Secretary of the Air Force only when it is clearly warranted by unusual circumstances of personal conduct and performance of military duty.  Adjustment Disorder is an unsuiting condition that does not qualify for entry into the disability evaluation system and service is not characterized if administrative separation occurs during the entry-level status period.  A general discharge characterization would be appropriate if there was misconduct.

The applicant’s DD 214 states the reason for discharge as “personality disorder.”  This is an administrative label that does not coincide with current diagnostic terminology and in some cases can be misleading when the discharge was for adjustment disorder.  There is no evidence apparent in the available documentation that the applicant had a personality disorder (as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) diagnosed or the presence of traits suggestive of a personality disorder.

Action and disposition in this care are proper and equitable reflecting compliance with Air Force directives that implement the law, however, the narrative reason for discharge in this is misleading.  Therefore, the BCMR Medical Consultant is of the opinion that the narrative reason for discharge be changed to Secretary Authority.  No change in the characterization of service is warranted.

A complete copy of the evaluation is attached at Exhibit C.

AFPC/DPPRS states that they concur with the BCMR Medical Consultant and recommend the narrative reason for separation be changed to “JFF-Secretarial Authority.”  No change in the characterization of service is warranted.

A complete copy of their evaluation is attached at Exhibit D.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

On 1 November 2002, copies of the Air Force evaluations were forwarded to the applicant for review and response 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 not timely filed; however, it is in the interest of justice to excuse the failure to timely file.

3.	Sufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of probable error or injustice.  After reviewing the evidence of record, we are persuaded that the applicant has been the victim of an injustice.  The detailed comments provided by the Medical Consultant are noted and we are in agreement with his recommendation.  Therefore, in the intent of equity and justice, we recommend the applicant’s records be corrected to the extent indicated below.

4.	Insufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of probable error or injustice warranting changing the character of service.  The Board notes that the uncharacterized character of service that the applicant received indicates an uncharacterized entry level separation.  This condition applies when separation proceedings are initiated within 6 months of entry on active duty.  The applicant served 4 months and 6 days of total active military service.  Therefore, we find no basis to conclude that the uncharacterized nature of her separation is erroneous or unjust.  Accordingly, her request for an honorable discharge is not favorably considered.

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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 October 1998, she was discharged under the provisions of AFI 36-3208, Secretarial Authority, and issued a Separation Program Designator of “JFF.”

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The following members of the Board considered this application in Executive Session on 30 January 2003, 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 8 Sep 02, w/atchs.
   Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
   Exhibit C.  Letter, BCMR Medical Consultant, dated 26 Sep 02.
   Exhibit D.  Letter, AFPC/DPPRS, dated 22 Oct 02.
   Exhibit E.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 1 Nov 02.

                                   Panel Chair

AFBCMR 02-01957
INDEX CODE:  110.00

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, be corrected to show that on 29 October 1998, she was discharged under the provisions of AFI 36-3208, Secretarial Authority, and issued a Separation Program Designator of “JFF.”

		Director
		Air Force Review Boards Agency