RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2002-03005
		INDEX CODE:  110.02
	XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX	COUNSEL:  NONE

	XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX	HEARING DESIRED:  YES

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His separation code, reentry (RE) code, and the terminology used in his doctor’s notes be changed to allow him to reenlist in the military.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

His RE code and separation code were transcribed incorrectly from the doctor’s notes and wrong word usage with the given separation code is making it difficult for him to reenlist in the military.  

In support of his request, the applicant submits a personal statement, a copy of his DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty, a copy of the Air Force mental health evaluation dated 23 December 1996, and a letter from his civilian clinical psychologist’s dated 16 August 2002.  His complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force on 29 November 1995 at the age of 18 for a period of four years in the grade of Airman First Class (E-3).  He was trained in the Air Force career field, Security Apprentice, Air Force Specialty Code 3P031.

On 26 July 1996, the applicant was counseled on poor performance.  The counseling documentation indicated the applicant was highly depressed and emotionally upset about a Quality Control Evaluation failure and disturbed with his performance on his practical evaluations that took place on 25-26 July 1996.  The applicant’s performance evaluation for the period 25 April 1996 through 7 January 1997 indicated the applicant failed to meet Air Force Standards.  

On 31 October 1996, the applicant was seen at the Mental Health Clinic for depression caused by marital problems.  In mid-November 1996, the applicant’s wife filed for divorce.  On 22 November 1996, the applicant presented to the Mental Health Clinic again with increased symptoms of depressed mood.  The psychologist attributed the applicant’s development of Adjustment Disorder to a recent divorce; however, he noted that after two months of therapy, the applicant was showing no signs of improvement and showed little sign of being able to adapt to the life change.  The psychologist indicated the applicant’s condition was so severe that it significantly impaired his ability to function in the military environment and recommended an administrative discharge.  On 13 January 1997, the commander initiated discharge proceedings against the applicant.  The applicant was advised of his rights and acknowledged receipt.  In a legal review of the discharge case file, the staff judge advocate found it legally sufficient and recommended that the applicant be honorably discharged from the Air Force without suspension for probation and rehabilitation.  On 24 January 1997, the discharge authority directed that the applicant be discharged from the Air Force under the provisions of AFI 36-3208, Chapter 5, Section B, Paragraph 5.11.1, Conditions that Interfere with Military Service, Mental Disorders.  The applicant was separated with an honorable discharge on 28 January 1997 by reason of “Personality Disorder” with a Separation Code of JFX and a Reenlistment Eligibility (RE) code of 2C, (involuntary separation with honorable discharge).  The applicant had served 1 year and 2 months on active duty. 

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The BCMR Medical Consultant states that even though the narrative reason for discharge on the applicant’s DD Form 214 is listed as personality disorder, the applicant was not diagnosed with a personality disorder.  Department of Defense uses the term “personality order” administratively to include all unsuiting character and behavior disorders including Adjustment Disorder, Personality Disorders, and Impulse Control Disorders.  This term is confusing because the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders uses the term “personality disorder” in a specific, defined manner to classify specific disorders of personality that do not include Adjustment Disorder or Impulse Control Disorder.  Prior regulations used the more inclusive and less confusing “character and behavior disorder.”

Since the applicant was not diagnosed with a personality disorder and was further not noted to demonstrate maladaptive traits suggestive of a personality disorder, it is the Medical Consultant’s opinion that it is inaccurate to list the narrative reason as personality disorder, even though administratively it is correct.  Action and disposition in this case are proper and equitable reflecting compliance with Air Force directives that implement the law.

The BCMR Medical Consultant is of the opinion that the narrative reason for discharged should be changed to Secretarial Authority, but feels no change in the RE Code is warranted.  Details of his evaluation are at Exhibit C.

AFPC/DPPRS states the discharge was consistent with the procedural and substantive requirements of the discharge regulation.  DPPRS concurs with the BCMR Medical Consultant that the adjustment disorder was incorrectly labeled and recommends the applicant’s separation code be changed to “KFF” Secretarial Authority.  The DPPRS evaluation is at Exhibit D.

AFPC/DPPAE states the RE code of 2C (involuntarily separated with an honorable discharge; or entry level separation without characterization of service) is correct.  The DPPRS evaluation is at Exhibit E.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The applicant indicates he took the easy way out at discharge time.  He was an immature 19 year old who just wanted to go home and was unsure of what to do.  He is a mature 25 year old, married, involved with the community and a local 911-dispatch shift supervisor.  He feels that since the state and local governments can trust him with a secret clearance and stressful job; that hopefully the federal government can too.  He is a supporter of our country and military.  He indicates our country was founded on volunteers and he would like to volunteer once again to do his part.  His goal is to reenlist to finish his initial four-year service agreement or possibly enlist in the Air National Guard.  He provides a timeline of the events in his life from 28 January 1995 to 1 February 1997.  The applicant’s rebuttal is at Exhibit G.

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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 warranting a change in the reason for separation.  After reviewing the evidence of record, we are persuaded that some relief is warranted.  We note that the discharge action taken against the applicant was in accordance with the applicable instruction.  However, after reviewing the applicant’s request and the evidence of record, we find the narrative reason for his entry-level separation, “Personality Disorder,” to be inappropriate.  We feel since the applicant was never diagnosed with a personality disorder, it is inaccurate to list the narrative reason for separation as such.  We noted that the BCMR Medical Consultant has indicated that current Air Force Instructions regulating separations for mental health do not allow for variations thereof, thus at times, improperly labeling the reason for separation.  We believe this has happened in this case.  Therefore, we recommend that the narrative reason for his separation be changed to reflect “Secretarial Authority.”  The applicant states he is functioning well at home since his discharge; however, he has failed to provide documentary evidence showing that he would not experience the same symptoms of adjustment disorder in the military that he suffered previously while on active duty.  The fact that he is functioning well at home does not predict that he will respond well to the stresses of military operations, deployment, or combat when he is separated from his familiar surroundings and usual support system of family and friends.  The RE Code which was issued at the time of the applicant’s separation accurately reflects the circumstances of his separation and we do not find this code to be in error or unjust.  Accordingly, his request to change his RE Code 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 28 January 1997, he received an honorable discharge under the provisions of AFI 36-3208, paragraph 1.2, (Secretarial Authority), with Separation Program Designator (SPD) code “KFF.” 

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The following members of the Board considered this application in Executive Session on 2 April 2003, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

	Panel Chair
	Member
	Member

The following documentary evidence was considered:

    Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 13 Aug 02, w/atchs.
    Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
    Exhibit C.  Letter, BCMR Medical Consultant, dated 14 Nov 02.
    Exhibit D.  Letter, AFPC/DPPRS, dated 18 Dec 02.
    Exhibit E.  Letter, AFPC/DPPAE, dated 3 Feb 03.
    Exhibit F.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 14 Feb 03.
    Exhibit G.  Letter, Applicant’s Review, dated 7 Mar 03.

                                   

AFBCMR BC-2002-03005

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 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX, be corrected to show that on 28 January 1997, he was separated under the provisions of AFI 36-3208, paragraph 1.2 (Secretarial Authority) with a separation code of KFF.