RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2003-00868
		INDEX CODE:  100.03
	  	COUNSEL:  NONE

	 	HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

Her records be corrected to enable reenlistment into the Air Force.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

She informed her supervisor and commander that she was homesick, had no friends on the base and requested to be sent home.  She was then referred to mental health for evaluation.  After a few weeks on the base she met several people and changed her mind about going home, however when she approached her commander about staying in the military she was told she would be discharged anyway.  Several members of her squadron told her that people are normally given a chance to change their mind, but feels she was not given that opportunity.  She feels that it should take more than one or two sessions with a psychologist to be diagnosed with a personality disorder.

In support of her request, the applicant submits a personal statement, a copy of DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, two Certificates of Training, a copy of a letter sent to her Senator, and a Letter of Recommendation.

Applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force as an airman basic on 14 February 2001 for a term of 4 years.  On 22 June 2001, the applicant was notified by her commander that he was recommending she be discharged from the Air Force due to a condition that interferes with military service (mental disorder).  The reason for this action was that the applicant’s psychiatric evaluation revealed that she was suffering from an adjustment disorder with depressed mood.  She expressed concerns of significant feelings of depression, crying spells, decreased appetite with frequent feelings of nausea, decreased interest in activities and significant difficulties with concentration, which she attributed to her dislike of the military.  She was advised of her rights in this matter.  She acknowledged receipt of the notification, waived her right to consult counsel, and elected not to submit statements on her own behalf.  The package was reviewed by the staff judge advocate and found to be legally sufficient.  On 12 July 2001, she was administratively discharged under the provisions of AFI 36-3208, Administrative Separation of Airman, (mental disorder), with an uncharacterized discharge. She was issued an RE code of 2C “Involuntarily separated with an honorable discharge; or entry level separation without characterization of service)”.  She served 4 months and 29 days total active service. 

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The BCMR Medical Consultant recommends changing the narrative reason for separation to secretarial authority, but denial of the RE code change request.  The applicant was discharged for unsuitability, adjustment disorder.  Although dependent traits were noted on Axis II of the formal psychiatric diagnosis, this trait may not be distinct from the Adjustment Disorder, her principle diagnosis.  Her symptoms of depressed mood and intense desire to leave the Air Force developed because she was lonely and did not like the military.  No unusual stressful events or situations are documented in the record that could have further contributed to her symptoms.

Adjustment disorder with depressed mood results from identifiable stressors that overcome the individual’s ability to cope.  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 typically 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 she is functioning well at this time confirms her diagnosis of Adjustment Disorder, however it does not predict that she will respond well to the stresses of military operations, deployment, or combat when she is separated from her familiar surroundings and social support system of family and friends.  Her past experience is predictive of an increased risk for recurrence of symptoms of 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.

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.  In this case although dependent traits were listed, there is inadequate documentation to support this as a trait distinct from her adjustment disorder.  Although action and disposition in this case are proper and equitable reflecting compliance with Air Force directives that implement the law, change of the narrative reason for discharge to Secretarial Authority is recommended but no change in the reenlistment code is warranted.

The Medical Consultant’s evaluation is at Exhibit C.  

AFPC/DPPRSP concurs with the BMCR Medical Consultant.  The applicant’s separation code and narrative reason for separation should be changed to JFF-Secretarial Authority.  

The DPPRSP evaluation is at Exhibit D.

AFPC/DPPAE recommends denial.  The RE code of 2C, “Involuntarily separated with an honorable discharge; or entry level separation without characterization of service” is correct.  Member has not provided any documentation that supports changing her RE code.  Waivers of RE codes for enlistment are considered and approved based on the needs of the respective military service and recruiting initiatives at the time of the enlistment inquiry.

The DPPAE evaluation is at Exhibit E.   

On 20 November 2003, the applicant’s DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty was administratively corrected to reflect an uncharacterized entry-level separation; a separation code of “JFF” and the narrative reason for separation was changed to “Secretarial Authority”.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

Copies of the Air Force evaluations were forwarded to the applicant on 26 Nov 03, 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.  Insufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of an error or injustice.  While we note the administrative changes made to her reason for separation and separation code, we do not believe that she should be allowed to return to the Air Force.  In this regard we note the comments made by the Medical Consultant that her ability to function in a military environment was significantly impaired.  In view of the above determination and in the absence of persuasive evidence to the contrary, we find no compelling basis to recommend any additional changes to her record.

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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 Docket Number BC-2003-00868 in Executive Session on 20 January 2004, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:
The following documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit A.	DD Form 149, dated 1 Mar 03, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.	Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.	Letter, BCMR Medical Consultant, dated 2 Sep 03.
	Exhibit D.	Letter, AFPC/DPPRS, dated 7 Oct 03.
	Exhibit E.	Letter, AFPC/DPPAE, dated 14 Nov 03.
	Exhibit F.	Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 26 Nov 03.

	Panel Chair