RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2002-03361
		INDEX CODE:  100.02, 110.00

		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED: YES

___________________________________________________________________

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His reenlistment eligibility (RE) code 2C and his reason for separation (Personality Disorder) be changed.

___________________________________________________________________

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

The narrative reason for separation of personality disorder is false.  He states that although he knew that he had a reason for separation of personality disorder, he was unaware of what to do about it.

In support of his appeal, applicant submitted a personal statement; a copy of his DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty; two letters of character reference from former supervisors; a copy of a certificate of recognition; a copy of a letter of appreciation from a former commander and a copy of a training completion letter, dated 6 Aug 1999.

Applicant’s complete submission is at Exhibit A.

___________________________________________________________________

STATEMENT OF FACTS:

On 3 February 1999, applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force for a period of 6 years in the grade of airman basic (E-1/AB).  He was progressively promoted to the grade of airman first class (E-3/A1C) with an effective date and date of rank (DOR) of 10 Jun 1999.  He received a letter of evaluation for the period of 25 Jun 1999 through 2 Aug 2000, indicating that he performed his duties in a satisfactory manner, but required strong guidance.

Applicant was evaluated on 25 July 2000, by the -- MDOS/SGOMH, F.E. Warren Medical Center Inpatient Mental Health Unit at F.E. Warren AFB, WY.  They diagnosed the applicant as having an Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood, as described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV).  The prognosis rendered reflects that he did not have a medically disqualifying condition and that he was competent for pay and records and responsible for his behavior.  However, he did present symptoms of depression, secondary to his difficulty adjusting to life in the Air Force.  He had been permanently decertified from the Personnel Reliability Program (PRP) and was no longer able to perform the military duties for which he had been trained.  It was very unlikely that his symptoms would improve while he remained in the USAF and cross-training was strongly ill-advised and was not in the best interest of the Air Force or the individual.  His Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood was of such severity that his ability to function in the military effectively was significantly impaired and his prognosis for ever adjusting successfully to life in the Air Force was very poor.

On 11 Aug 2000, the squadron section commander initiated administrative discharge action against the applicant for a mental disorder.  The specific reason for the proposed action was the diagnosis cited above.  It was determined that this disorder significantly impaired his ability to function effectively in the military.  The applicant was advised of his right to counsel and to submit statements on his own behalf.  On 16 Aug 2000, he waived his right to consult counsel and did not submit a statement on his own behalf.  On 29 Aug 2000, the discharge authority directed applicant be discharged and concurred with the recommendation for an honorable discharge.

On 15 Sep 2000, the applicant was honorably discharged under the provisions of AFI 36-3208, by reason of personality disorder, and was issued an RE code of 2C (involuntarily separated with an honorable discharge; or entry-level separation without characterization of service).  He served 1 year, 7 months, and 15 days on active duty.

___________________________________________________________________

AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The AFBCMR Medical Consultant states that the applicant was discharged on 15 Sep 2000, after 1 year, 7 months, and 15 days on active duty and now requests that his records be changed to show a different reason for discharge that would permit him to reenlist.  He indicated that the applicant was evaluated by mental health beginning on 13 Mar 2000 for refusal to perform his duties in guarding nuclear missiles and associated distress regarding his duties (“stressed and unwilling to do PRP job”).  As a result of his difficulties, he was suspended from his PRP duties and assigned administrative duties pending evaluation.  He was initially diagnosed with occupational problems, but on follow-up 27 Mar 2000, he was diagnosed with Adjustment Disorder with Mixed Anxiety and Depressed Mood.  Follow-up mental health evaluation dated, 25 Jul 2000, reported continued symptoms of depressed mood secondary to his difficulty adjusting to life in the Air Force.  His diagnosis remained unchanged, Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood that was unsuiting for continued service and he was recommended for administrative separation.  

On the applicant’s DD Form 214, the narrative reason for discharge is listed as personality disorder even though the applicant was not diagnosed with a personality disorder or maladaptive personality trait.  The Department of Defense (DOD) uses the term “personality disorder” administratively on the DD Form 214 to include all unsuiting character and behavior disorders including Adjustment Disorder, Personality Disorders, and Impulse Controls Disorders.  This term is confusing because the DSM-IV 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 regulation used the more inclusive and less confusing “character and behavior disorder.”  Although the action and disposition in this case are proper and equitable reflecting compliance with Air Force directives that implement the law, it is recommended that the narrative reason for discharge be changed to Secretarial Authority, but no change to the reenlistment eligibility code is warranted.

A complete copy of the evaluation is at Exhibit C.

HQ AFPC/DPPRS reviewed this application and found that the discharge was consistent with the procedural and substantive requirements of the discharge regulation.  Additionally, that the discharge was within the sound discretion of the discharge authority.  They further agreed with the AFBCMR Medical Consultant and recommended the separation code and narrative reason for separation (DD Form 214, Blocks 26 and 28) be changed to “KFF” and “Secretarial Authority.”  

A complete copy of the evaluation is at Exhibit D.

HQ AFPC/DPPAE reviewed this application and found that the RE code 2C, “Involuntarily separated with an honorable discharge; or entry-level separation without characterization of service,” is correct.

A complete copy of the evaluation is at Exhibit E.

___________________________________________________________________

APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

Copies of the Air Force evaluations were forwarded to the applicant on 25 Apr 2003 for review and comment within 30 days.  As of this date, no response has been received by this office (Exhibit F).

___________________________________________________________________

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 error or injustice in regard to applicant’s request for a change in his RE code.  At the time a member is separated from the Air Force, they are furnished an RE Code predicated upon the quality of their service and the circumstances of their separation.  The assigned code reflects the Air Force’s position regarding whether or not, or under what circumstances, the individual should be allowed to reenlist.  After careful consideration of the evidence provided, we are not persuaded that the assigned RE code is in error or unjust or that an upgrade of the RE code is warranted.  We therefore conclude that no basis exists upon which to recommend favorable action on his request that it be changed.

4.  Sufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of error or injustice warranting a correction of the applicant’s narrative reason for separation.  After reviewing his submission and the evidence of record, we are persuaded that some relief is warranted.  We note there is no provision for listing adjustment disorder in the narrative reason for administrative separation.  Personality disorder is used for all unsuiting mental health disorders, even in cases such as the applicant’s when the diagnosis was adjustment disorder, not personality disorder.  Although action and disposition of the applicant’s case appears to be in compliance with Air Force directives; it appears to us that the current reason could be misconstrued to infer that his separation was due to actual “personality disorder” instead of a maladjustment to military service.  Therefore, in order to correct an injustice of improperly labeling the applicant, his narrative reason for separation should be corrected to accurately reflect the circumstances of his separation.  We agree with the AFBCMR Medical Consultant that the narrative reason should be changed to “Secretarial Authority” and therefore recommend that the applicant’s records be corrected to the extent indicated below.

5.  The applicant's case is adequately documented and it has not been shown that a personal appearance with or without counsel will materially add to our understanding of the issues involved.  Therefore, the request for a hearing is not favorably considered.

___________________________________________________________________

THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT:

The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to APPLICANT, be corrected to show that the narrative reason for separation, issued in conjunction with his honorable discharge on 15 September 2000, was “Secretarial Authority” and the separation program designator (SPD) code was “JFF.”

___________________________________________________________________

The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2002-03361 in Executive Session on 4 June 2003, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

Panel Chair
Member
Member

All members voted to correct the records, as recommended.  The following documentary evidence was considered:

     Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 15 Oct 02, w/atchs.
     Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
     Exhibit C.  Letter, BCMR Medical Consultant, dated 12 Feb 03.
     Exhibit D.  Letter, HQ AFPC/DPPRS, dated 4 Mar 03.
     Exhibit E.  Letter, HQ AFPC/DPPAE, dated 15 Apr 03.
     Exhibit F.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 25 Apr 03.

                                   

AFBCMR BC-2002-03361

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 the narrative reason for separation, issued in conjunction with his honorable discharge on 15 September 2000, was “Secretarial Authority” and the separation program designator (SPD) code was “JFF.”