RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2002-03597
		INDEX CODES:  A29.00, 100.06,
		              110.02

		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  YES

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His entry level separation with uncharacterized service be upgraded to an honorable discharge.

His narrative reason for separation be changed.

His reenlistment eligibility (RE) code of 2C be changed.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He is trying to enter the Air Force Reserve.  The reason why he separated from the Air Force was due to both his parents having medical problems.  His father was recovering from open heart surgery and his mother was suffering from seizures and heart problems.  The Air Force permitted him to return home on leave once, but he was not allowed any further leave.  This caused him undue stress, resulting in his separation from the Air Force.  He is currently working as an airport manager, and he is continuing his education in aviation.  The only thing he is trying to achieve is to complete his term of service by entering the Air Force Reserve.

In support of his appeal, the applicant provided a copy of DD Form 293, Application for the Review of Discharge or Dismissal from the Armed Forces of the United States.

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

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force on 30 Nov 94 for a period of four years in the grade of airman basic.  

On 2 Mar 95, the applicant’s commander notified him that he was recommending that the applicant be discharged for a mental disorder.  The reason for the action was that, on 10 Feb 95, the applicant was diagnosed by a psychiatrist as having an adjustment disorder with mixed emotional features, as described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Medical Disorders (DSM‑III‑R), which was so severe that his ability to function effectively in the military environment was significantly impaired.  The applicant’s disorder was evidenced by his impaired sleep, poor appetite, insomnia, low energy, and poor concentration.  The applicant was advised of his rights in the matter and that an entry level separation would be recommended.

On 8 Mar 95, the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate found the discharge case file to be legally sufficient and concurred with the commander’s recommendation that the applicant should be discharged.

On 9 Mar 95, the discharge authority approved the separation of the applicant and directed that he be furnished an entry level separation.

On 10 Mar 95, the applicant was separated under the provisions of AFI 36-3208 (Personality Disorder) with an entry level separation.  He was credited with 3 months and 11 days of active service.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The Medical Consultant noted that the applicant developed symptoms of depressed mood with anxiety while in technical training that was diagnosed as an adjustment disorder with mixed emotional features, and was discharged for this unsuiting condition with an entry level separation.

According to the Medical Consultant, an adjustment disorder with depressed mood results from identifiable stressors that overcome the individual's ability to cope.  It 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.  One of the key features of an adjustment disorder is that the condition resolves with relief of the stressors.  Individuals who develop an adjustment disorder due to the stress of the routine rigors of military service with or without concomitant personal issues are not suited for military service and are subject to administrative discharge by their commander.

The Medical Consultant indicated that stressful life circumstances such as marital discord, divorce, illness, or death of a parent, are commonly experienced by members of the military, the majority of whom continue to function effectively in their jobs in spite of their sad feelings.  When an individual responds to a common life stressor to the degree of becoming dysfunctional, their ability to cope with the stresses of military service, operational environments and combat is called into question.  While in technical training, the applicant demonstrated his inability to deal with the combined rigors of military training and concomitant family illness.  The fact that he is functioning well at this time at home confirms his diagnosis of an adjustment disorder, however, it 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.  His past experience is predictive of an increased risk for recurrence of debilitating anxiety and an adjustment disorder if re-exposed to the rigors of military training and service.

The Medical Consultant noted that the applicant's narrative reason for separation on his DD Form 214 was for a personality disorder, even though he was not diagnosed with a personality disorder or maladaptive personality traits.  The Department of the Defense (DoD) uses the term "personality disorder" administratively on the DD Form 214 to include all unsuiting character and behavior disorders, including adjustment disorders, 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 the personality that do not include an adjustment disorder or impulse control disorder.  Prior regulations used the more inclusive and less confusing "character and behavior disorder."  

Although there was some concern raised regarding the diagnosis of an impulse control disorder (intermittent explosive disorder), the Medical Consultant stated that the applicant was not clearly diagnosed with an impulse control disorder, and was further not noted to demonstrate maladaptive traits or misconduct suggestive of a personality disorder.  Therefore, it is inaccurate to list the narrative reason as personality disorder, even though administratively it is correct.  Although the action and disposition in this case was proper and equitable reflecting compliance with Air Force directives that implement the law, the Medical Consultant recommended that the narrative reason for separation be changed to "Secretarial Authority."  However, he does not believe that a change of the RE code is warranted.

A complete copy of the Medical Consultant's evaluation is at Exhibit C.

AFPC/DPPRS indicated that based on the documentation in the file, they believe the discharge was consistent with the procedural and substantive requirements of the discharge regulation, and was within the sound discretion of the discharge authority.  Airmen are given entry-level separation/uncharacterized service characterization when separation is initiated in the first 180 days of continuous active service.  The Department of the Defense (DoD) determined that if a member served less than 180 days of continuous active service, it would be unfair to the member and the service to characterize their limited service.  Therefore, the applicant's uncharacterized character of service is correct and in accordance with DoD and Air Force Instructions.  An entry level/uncharacterized separation should not be confused with other types of separation.

AFPC/DPPRS stated that they concur with the Medical Consultant and recommended that the applicant's narrative reason for separation be changed to "Secretarial Authority" and his separation code to "KFF."

A complete copy of the AFPC/DPPRS evaluation is at Exhibit D.

AFPC/DPPAE indicated that the applicant's RE code of 2C ("Involuntarily separated with an honorable discharge; or entry level separation without characterization of service") is correct.

A complete copy of the AFPC/DPPAE evaluation is at Exhibit E.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

Copies of the Air Force evaluations were forwarded to applicant on 16 May 03 for review and response.  As of this date, no response has been received by this office (Exhibit F).

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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 error or injustice warranting partial relief.  Having carefully reviewed this application, we agree with the recommendation of the Medical Consultant and adopt his rationale as the basis for our decision that the applicant has been the victim of an error or an injustice with regard to the narrative reason for his separation.  Accordingly, we recommend that the applicant’s records be corrected as indicated below.

4.  Insufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of probable error or injustice concerning the applicant’s requests that his entry level separation with uncharacterized service be upgraded to an honorable discharge and his RE Code of 2C be changed.  The evidence of record indicates that the applicant was given an entry level separation after being diagnosed with an adjustment disorder.  No evidence has been presented which would lead us to believe that the applicant’s separation from the Air Force was based on erroneous information or that his commander abused his discretionary authority in effecting his separation.  Furthermore, we find no evidence which convinces us that the problems he had which led to his separation would not recur if he were again exposed to the rigors of the highly regimented military environment.  In view of the foregoing, and in the absence of evidence to the contrary, these requests are 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, in conjunction with his entry level separation on 10 Mar 95, he was issued a separation program designator code of "KFF" and a narrative reason of "Secretarial Authority" rather than "Personality Disorder."

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The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2002-03597 in Executive Session on 8 Jul 03, 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 18 Nov 02, w/atch.
     Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
     Exhibit C.  Letter, Medical Consultant, dated 20 Feb 03.
     Exhibit D.  Letter, AFPC/DPPRS, dated 25 Mar 03.

     Exhibit E.  Letter, AFPC/DPPAE, dated 6 May 03.
     Exhibit F.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 16 May 03.

AFBCMR BC-2002-03597

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, in conjunction with his entry level separation on 10 Mar 95, he was issued a separation program designator code of "KFF" and a narrative reason of "Secretarial Authority" rather than "Personality Disorder."