RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2002-01981
		INDEX CODE:	 100.03, 100.06
		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

Her reenlistment eligibility (RE) code be changed.
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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

The circumstances surrounding her discharge were corrupt.  She contends that circumstances surrounding an improper relationship with a Marine Corp NCO who was an instructor at the Explosive Ordinance School, which she was a student, caused the symptoms of adjustment disorder and her discharge from the Air Force.

In support of her request, applicant provided a copy of her DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active duty and a personal statement.  Applicant’s complete submission is at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force on 14 March 2001 for a term of 4 years.

The applicant was first seen in the clinic on 26 July 2001 reporting that she was unhappy with military life, and had decreased mood.  Additional circumstances reported included that she had just broken up with her fiancé, and was far from family and frustrated that she hasn't seen them.  She reported a history of an eating disorder (was treated by her family physician in Tennessee with medication).  She reported that she had had symptoms for 4 months (i.e. approximately since the end of the March 2001, during basic military training) including depressed mood, decreased sleep, decreased appetite, anxiety, spontaneous crying, and loss of interest in pleasurable activities.  The physician felt she was depressed, started her on an antidepressant medication and referred her to the mental health clinic.

She was seen in the mental health clinic on 3 August 2001, where she reported breaking up with her boyfriend.  The mental health clinic entry documents a prior history of depression as well as eating disorder prior to entering service.  "Client does report history of dysthymia and major depression and agrees to follow with signing a release for records from her previous physician who treated her for depression."  Her diagnosis was felt to be Major Depression, recurrent.  On the 27 August 2001 mental health clinic entry, a four (4) year history of depression treated with multiple medications, and two (2) suicide attempts were recorded.  In addition, some history of a turbulent childhood was indicated and it was felt that she did not meet diagnostic criteria for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder at that time. 

A memorandum from her psychiatrist dated 29 August 2001 recommended administrative separation for Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood, and Eating Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified.  A diagnosis of a personality disorder was not definitively made nor excluded (Axis II: deferred").  

On 7 September 2001 she was notified of her commanders intent to recommend that she 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 she was diagnosed with a mental disorder.  She was advised of her rights in this matter and acknowledged receipt of the notification on that same date.  After consulting counsel she elected to waive her right to submit matters on her own behalf.  In a legal review of the case file, the wing attorney advisor found the case legally sufficient and recommended that she be discharged without probation and rehabilitation.   The discharge authority concurred with the recommendation and directed that she be discharged with an entry-level separation.  She served 6 months and 18 days on active duty and was issued an RE code of “2C.”

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The BCMR Medical Consultant reviewed applicant’s request and recommends denial.  The Medical Consultant states that the applicant developed symptoms of depression due to an adjustment disorder and was administratively separated for that unsuiting condition.  The time of onset of her symptoms reported in her initial clinic visit indicates that these symptoms began approximately 2 months prior to the start of the improper relationship she reports in her letter.  During her mental health evaluations, a history of existing prior to service depression, suicide attempts and an eating disorder were revealed.  It is very likely that had she revealed that history during her enlistment medical evaluation, she would have been rejected for enlistment.  The circumstances she alleges in her letter requesting correction would certainly aggravate her symptoms.    The Medical Consultant evaluation is at Exhibit C.

AFPC/DPPAE reviewed applicant’s request and recommends denial.  Based on the review of his case file, her 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 D.

AFPC/DPPRS reviewed applicant’s request and recommends denial.  The applicant did not submit any new evidence or identify any errors or injustices that occurred in the discharge processing.  Additionally, she provided no facts warranting a change in his discharge.  The DPPRS evaluation is at attachment E.   

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

Copies of the Air Force evaluations were forwarded to the applicant on 15 Nov 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 an error or injustice to warrant changing her reenlistment eligibility (RE) code.  Evidence has not been provided in support of her appeal, which would lead us to believe that a change to her RE code is warranted.  Therefore, we agree with the opinions and recommendations of the BCMR Medical Consultant and 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 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-2002-01981 in Executive Session on 9 April 2003, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit A.	DD Form 149, dated 8 June 2002 w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.	Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.	Letter, BCMR Medical Consultant, dated 19 Aug 02.
	Exhibit D.	Letter, AFPC/DPPAE, dated 12 Nov 02.
	Exhibit E.	Letter, AFPC/DPPRS, dated 10 Sep 02.
	Exhibit F.	Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 15 Nov 02.

	Panel Chair