RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2003-00945
		INDEX CODE:  112.00

		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His Reenlistment Eligibility (RE) code be changed.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

His RE code of 2C is in error.  He states that he does not have a personality disorder.  His outlook on life has changed and he desires to reenlist in the Air Force.

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

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

Applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force on 7 February 1996 in the grade of airman basic.

On 15 November 2000, applicant was notified of his commander's intent to initiate discharge action against him for conditions that interfered with military service.  The specific reasons follow:

	On 27 January 1997, the applicant expressed depression and suicidal ideation to a friend causing him to notify a supervisor and the first sergeant.  As a result, a Chaplain counseled him.

	On 29 January 1998, he again expressed depression and suicidal ideation.  As a result, he was transported to an Army Medical Center for treatment.

	On 6 February 1998, the applicant’s commander referred him to the mental health clinic for a mental health evaluation.

	On 13 February 1998, he was evaluated by a physician and found to have a mental disorder with paranoid and dependent traits.

	On 24 February 1998, he was admitted to an Army Medical Center for an attempted overdose.

	On 26 February 1998, another physician who diagnosed him as having a personality disorder with paranoid and dependent traits evaluated him.  The diagnosis stated that the applicant’s pattern of behavior interfered with his ability to function effectively in the military environment and that he had the propensity for future suicide attempts in a stressful environment.

The commander advised applicant of his right to consult legal counsel and to submit statements in his own behalf; or waive the above rights after consulting with counsel.

The commander indicated in his recommendation for discharge action that before recommending the discharge, the applicant received counseling with a chaplain during the month of January 1997 for an incident in which he expressed suicidal ideations.  On 29 January 1998, the applicant again expressed suicidal ideations and was evaluation by a staff psychiatrist at an Army Medical Center emergency room.  On 24 February 1998, the applicant was admitted to a medical center after an attempted overdose on Buspar (an anxiolitic medication) and evaluated by a physician at the mental health clinic.  On 13 February 1998, another physician conducted the evaluation and both physicians agreed that the applicant had a mental disorder, which interfered with his ability to function effectively in the military, and therefore he should be separated.  The commander further stated that he did not recommend probation and rehabilitation.  Both physicians stated in their respective evaluations of the applicant that mental health treatment was unlikely to sufficiently improve the applicant’s ability to function effectively in the military.

An undated legal review was conducted and the staff judge advocate recommended the applicant be honorably discharged from the Air Force for conditions that interfere with military service, specifically mental disorders, under AFI 36-3208, paragraph 5.11.1 - without probation and rehabilitation.

On 1 April 1998, the convening authority approved the applicant’s discharge.

Applicant was honorably discharged on 15 May 1998, in the grade of airman first class, in accordance with AFI 36-3208 (Personality Disorder) and given an RE code of 2C.  He completed 2 years, 1 month and 26 days of total active duty service.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The BCMR Medical Consultant recommends denial.  He indicates that the applicant was diagnosed with an Adjustment Disorder and a Personality Disorder that significantly impaired his performance of military duty.  Adjustment Disorder and Personality Disorder are conditions that are not medically disqualifying or unfitting but may render the individual unsuitable for further military service and may be cause for administrative action by the individual’s unit commander.  Often the nature of military duty places greater pressures on the individual than on civilians in similar duties, and these disorders frequently become more manifest.

Action and disposition in this case are proper and equitable reflecting compliance with Air Force directives that implement the law.  No change in the records is warranted.

The evaluation is at Exhibit C.

AFPC/DPPRS recommended denial.  They indicated that based upon the documentation in the file, they believe the discharge was consistent with the procedural and substantive requirements of the discharge regulation.  The discharge was within the discretion of the discharge authority.  Applicant’s separation program designator (SPD) code “JFX” (personality disorder) is correct based on the reason for discharge.  The applicant did not submit any new evidence or identify any errors or injustices that occurred in the discharge processing.  He has not filed a timely request.

The evaluation is at Exhibit D.

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

The evaluation is at Exhibit E.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

On 21 November 2003, copies of the Air Force evaluations were forwarded to the applicant for review and response within 30 days.  As of this date, no response has been received by this office.

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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.	Insufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of an error or injustice that would warrant a change to his RE code.  After a thorough review of the evidence of record we are not persuaded that given the circumstances surrounding his separation from the Air Force, that the RE code should be changed.  The applicant has not provided any evidence which would lead us to believe otherwise.  We note the opinion from the BCMR Medical Consultant which indicates the applicant’s condition was so severe that his ability to function effectively in a military environment was significantly impaired.  Also, that the nature of military duty places greater pressures on an individual and disorders frequently become more manifest.  The applicant has not shown to the satisfaction of the Board that it would be to the applicant’s or the Air Force’s benefit to return him to a situation that has caused so much distress in the past.  Further, the applicant has not submitted documentation indicating the nature of his medical condition since leaving the military.  Therefore, in the absence of persuasive evidence to the contrary, we find no compelling basis to recommend granting the relief sought.

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THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT:

The applicant be notified that the evidence presented did not demonstrate the existence of an error or an 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 in Executive Session on 22 January 2004, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence pertaining AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2003-00945 was considered:

   Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 14 March 2003, w/atch.
   Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
   Exhibit C.  Letter, BCMR Medical Consultant,
               dated 24 June 2003.
   Exhibit D.  Letter, AFPC/DPPRS, dated 24 July 2003.
   Exhibit E.  Letter, AFPC/DPPAE, dated 3 October 2003.
   Exhibit F.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 21 November 2003.

				Panel Chair