RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2003-01188
		INDEX NUMBER:  110.00
	XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX	COUNSEL:  None

	XXX-XX-XXXX	HEARING DESIRED:  No

_________________________________________________________________

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

Her Reenlistment Eligibility (RE) code of “2Q,” “Personnel medically retired or discharged,” and her separation code of “JFM,” “Disability, existed prior to service, PEB,” be changed to allow her reentry into the Air Force.

_________________________________________________________________

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

Her commander recommended her discharge for failure to meet Air Force weight standards, while the Informal Physical Evaluation Board (IPEB) recommended her discharge for a medical condition that existed prior to service (depression).

She has not had any further episodes of depression since she was last hospitalized in the Air Force.  She is willing to see a doctor to get verification of her capabilities.

In support of her appeal, the applicant provides a copy of her medical evaluation board report and the proposed discharge for weight initiated by her commander.

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

_________________________________________________________________

STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant entered active duty in the Air Force on 29 Nov 95.  The applicant received one enlisted performance report during her time in service with an overall rating of “3.”  The report was also a referral due to applicant’s failure to meet weight standards.  As a result of the applicant’s visit to the emergency room on 12 Jul 97 for ongoing symptoms of depression, it was discovered that she had been hospitalized on two previous occasions prior to her entry into the Air Force.  The applicant did not disclose this fact when providing her report of medical history for entry into the Air Force.  A medical Evaluation Board (MEB) was convened on 24 Jul 97 to evaluate the applicant’s fitness for continued service.  The MEB diagnosed the applicant with Major Depressive Disorder, recurrent that existed prior to service (EPTS).  The MEB recommended that the applicant be referred to an IPEB.  On 28 Aug 97, the IPEB also diagnosed the applicant with Major Depressive Disorder, recurrent, which was not compensable.  They found the applicant unfit for active duty and recommended that she be discharged.  On 29 Sep 97, the applicant agreed with the IPEB’s recommendation.

According to documents provided by the applicant, her squadron commander notified her on 11 Sep 97 of his intent to discharge her for failure in the weight control program.  On 23 Sep 97, the commander recommended to the Medical Wing Commander that the applicant be discharged for failure in the weight management program.

On 30 Sep 97, the Secretary of the Air Force Personnel Council (SAFPC) considered the applicant’s case as a dual action case (two concurrent discharge actions; one medical, the other administrative) and directed that the applicant be discharged due to disability that existed prior to service.  The applicant was discharged on 19 Nov 97 and was issued an RE code of “2Q.”

_________________________________________________________________

AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The BCMR Medical Consultant recommends denial of the applicant’s appeal.  Although the applicant reports doing well at this time, her history of recurrent depression is a predictor of future bouts with depression and is disqualifying for entry into the Air Force.  Recurrence of depression is unpredictable and varies from person to person.  However, individuals with three prior episodes have a 90% chance of recurrent depression.

The complete evaluation is at Exhibit C.

AFPC/DPPD recommends denial of the applicant’s appeal.  Current military records clearly indicate the applicant was appropriately found unfit for the rigors of military service at the time of her MEB/PEB.

The complete evaluation is at Exhibit D.

AFPC/DPPAE reviewed the applicant’s RE code and determined that it is correct.

The complete evaluation is at Exhibit E.

_________________________________________________________________

APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

Copies of the Air Force evaluations were forwarded to the applicant on 21 Nov 03 for review and comment within 30 days.  To date, a response has not been received.

_________________________________________________________________

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 error or injustice.  We took notice of the applicant's complete submission in judging the merits of the case; however, we agree with the opinions and recommendations of the Air Force offices of primary responsibility and adopt their rationale as the basis for our conclusion that the applicant has not been the victim of an error or injustice.  Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no compelling basis to recommend granting the relief sought in this application.

_______________________________________________________________

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.

_______________________________________________________________

The following members of the Board considered Docket Number BC-2003-01188 in Executive Session on 7 January 2004, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

    Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 3 Apr 03, w/atchs.
    Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
    Exhibit C.  Memorandum, BCMR Medical Consultant,
                dated 28 Jul 03.
    Exhibit D.  Memorandum, AFPC/DPPD, dated 9 Sep 03.
    Exhibit E.  Memorandum, AFPC/DPPAE, dated 5 Nov 03.
    Exhibit F.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 21 Nov 03.