RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2003-00767
		INDEX CODE:  110.00

		COUNSEL:  VFW

		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His uncharacterized discharge be changed to an honorable discharge and his records be corrected to show a different reason for discharge that would permit him to reenlist.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He was never the subject of disciplinary action; he just did not absorb the Air Force culture.  Had he known the process to transfer to the Marine Corps he would have pursued such a course.

In support of the appeal, applicant submits a copy of his DD Form 293 a letter from his father, and two character references.

Applicant's complete submission is attached at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

Applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force on 26 September 2000 and began basic training at the age of 19.

On 2 February 2001, the Squadron Section Commander notified the applicant that he was being recommended for discharge.  The commander’s action was based on a 29 January 2001 diagnosis pertaining to the applicant by a clinical psychologist of an adjustment disorder with depressed mood, as described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV), which was so severe that his ability to function effectively in the military environment was significantly impaired.  Applicant’s disorder was evidenced by his continued symptoms of anxiety, depression, and suicidal thinking, and it was he examiner’s opinion that these symptoms were not likely to resolve while he remained on active duty.

On 8 February 2001, the applicant was discharged because of “personality disorder” with an entry-level separation.  He had served 4 months and 13 days on active duty.

As a result of the submission of this appeal, on 2 July 2003, the applicant’s records were administratively corrected to show the narrative reason for separation as secretarial authority with a separation code of JFF.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The BCMR Medical Consultant states that the applicant developed symptoms of anxiety and depressed mood while in technical training that were diagnosed as Adjustment Disorder and he was administratively discharged for this unsuiting condition with an entry-level separation.  Adjustment Disorder 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 Adjustment Disorder is that the condition resolves with relief of the stressors.  Individuals who develop 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 fact that the applicant is functioning well at this time confirms his diagnosis of 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 a significantly increased risk for recurrence of debilitating anxiety and Adjustment Disorder if re-exposed to the rigors of military training and service.

On the applicant’s DD 214, the narrative reason for discharge is listed as personality disorder even though the applicant was not diagnosed with a personality disorder.  The DOD uses the term personality disorder 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 or misconduct suggestive of a personality disorder, it is inaccurate to list the narrative reason as personality disorder, even though administratively it is correct.

The BCMR Medical Consultant is of the opinion that the narrative reason for discharge should be changed to Secretarial Authority, but no change in the reenlistment code is warranted.

A complete copy of the evaluation is attached at Exhibit C.

AFPC/DPPAE states that the Reenlistment Eligibility (RE) code 2C, “Involuntarily separated with an honorable discharge, or entry level separation without characterization of service” is correct.

A complete copy of their evaluation is attached at Exhibit D.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

On 15 August 2003, copies of the Air Force evaluations were forwarded to the applicant for review and response 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 error or injustice with respect to his requests for an honorable discharge and his records be changed in a manner which would allow him to reenlist.  We note that administrative action has been taken to change the reason for the applicant’s separation from “Personality Disorder” to “Secretarial Authority.”  After reviewing all the facts and circumstances of this case, and the evidence provided by the applicant, we believe that he has been afforded proper and fitting relief by this action and that further corrections to the record would not be appropriate on the basis of the evidence presented here.  The applicant requests that his entry-level separation be changed to an honorable discharge; however, the governing regulation provides that when separation action is initiated within 180 days of entry on active duty, an entry level separation is normally applied.  We therefore find that the applicant’s entry-level separation is correct.  As to the applicant’s request that his records be changed so as to allow for his reenlistment, we agree with the assessment by the BCMR Medical Consultant on this issue.  The record indicates that shortly after his entry on active duty, the applicant’s ability to cope with his environment was severely compromised by symptoms diagnosed as an adjustment disorder.  While it appears that applicant’s symptoms have abated since his separation, we are unpersuaded by the evidence that they would not recur if he were again to be exposed to the stresses of the highly structured military environment.  Accordingly, in the absence of convincing evidence to the contrary, we find no compelling basis to favorably consider the applicant’s requests for an honorable discharge and for changes to his records that would render him eligible to enlist.

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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 this application, BC-2003-00767, in Executive Session on 25 September 2003, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

				Panel Chair
				Member
				Member

The following documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit A.	DD Form 149, dated 9 Mar 03, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.	Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.	Letter, BCMR Medical Consultant, dated 15 May 03.
	Exhibit D.	Letter, AFPC/DPPAE, dated 6 Aug 03.
	Exhibit E.	Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 15 Aug 03.

					
					Panel Chair