RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  02-02171
		INDEX CODE:  108.00
		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His records be changed to reflect a different reason for his discharge.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He does not have a personality disorder.  He was looked at in the wrong way.  Nobody would really listen to what he was saying.  All he wanted was justice and all he received was injustice.  
His complete submission is at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

Applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force on 16 Oct 01.  He was progressively promoted to the grade of airman first class, having assumed that grade effective and with a date of rank of 30 Nov 01.  

On 10 Jun 02, applicant was notified by his commander of his intent to recommend that he be discharged from the Air Force under the provisions of AFPD 36-32 and AFI 36-3208, paragraph 5.11.9 (Personality Disorder).  The specific reason for this action was that he was diagnosed with AXIS I: V62.4 Acculturation Problem and that his condition was severe enough to render him unsuitable for continued military service.  He was advised of his rights in this matter and acknowledged receipt of the notification on that same date.  The applicant waived his right to consult counsel and elected not to submit statements on his own behalf.  In a legal review of the case file, the deputy staff judge advocate found the case legally sufficient and recommended that he be discharged.  On 13 Jun 02, the discharge authority concurred with the recommendations and directed that he be discharged with an honorable discharge, without probation and rehabilitation.  Applicant was discharged on 19 Jun 02.  He served 8 months and 4 days on active duty.

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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's personnel record clearly documents the difficulties he was experiencing adjusting to military life and the pattern of behavior that was unsuiting for military service.  He was evaluated with Acculturation Problem and Cluster A Personality Traits.  Acculturation is not a mental problem pre se, but is a diagnostic label used when the focus of clinical attention is a problem involving adjusting to a different culture.  Although he was not diagnosed with a personality disorder, he clearly demonstrated significant traits of a personality disorder that were categorized as "Cluster A Personality Traits."  Cluster A Personality Traits include those seen in Paranoid Personality Disorder, Schizoid Personality Disorder and Schizotypal Personality Disorder.  Individuals in this cluster appear odd or eccentric and may manifest paranoia and suspiciousness, bearing of grudges, a pattern of detachment from social relationships, and odd beliefs among other traits.  

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.  Diagnosis of personality disorder is often only made after a period of observation over time and after more than a single clinical visit.  

The Medical Consultant evaluation is at Exhibit C.

AFPC/DPPRS reviewed applicant's request and recommends denial.  DPPRS states that the discharge was consistent with the procedural and substantive requirements of the discharge regulation and was within the discretion of the discharge authority.  The applicant did not submit any new evidence or identify any errors or injustices that occurred in the discharge processing.  

The DPPRS 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 4 Oct 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.  Sufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of error or injustice.  In this respect we note that although the applicant demonstrated Cluster A personality traits, he was never clinically diagnosed as having a personality disorder.  As such, it is our opinion that it would be an injustice for him to continue to suffer the adverse effects of the narrative reason for separation.  Therefore in the interest of justice, we recommend that his narrative reason for separation be changed to "Secretarial Authority."

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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 19 June 2002, he was discharged under the provisions of AFI 36-3208, paragraph 1.2 (Secretarial Authority), with a separation code of "JFF."

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The following members of the Board considered Docket Number 02-02171 in Executive Session on 20 Nov 02, 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 21 Jun 02.
    Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
    Exhibit C.  Letter, BCMR Medical Consultant, dated 22 Aug 02.
    Exhibit D.  Letter, AFPC/DPPPRS, dated 20 Sep 02.
    Exhibit E.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 4 Oct 02.

								

AFBCMR 02-02171

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 APPLICANT, be corrected to show that on 19 June 2002, he was discharged under the provisions of AFI 36-3208, paragraph 1.2 (Secretarial Authority), with a separation code of "JFF."