RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2003-01317
		INDEX CODES:  100.06, 110.02

		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

Her reason for discharge and reenlistment eligibility (RE) code be changed to allow her to reenter the Air Force.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

She was not mentally stable at the time of her discharge, but believes that she is now of sound mental health and is able to carry out her duties and adhere to all standards.

In support of her appeal, the applicant provided a DD Form 293, Application for the Review of Discharge or Dismissal from the Armed Forces of the United States, and extracts from her military personnel records.

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 on 29 Mar 00 for a period of four years in the grade of airman basic.  

On 1 Jun 01, the applicant’s commander notified her that he was recommending that the applicant be discharged from the Air Force pursuant to AFI 36-3208, paragraph 5.11.1, Conditions that Interfere with Military Service:  Mental Disorders, Adjustment and Personality Disorders.  The reason for the action was that following a mental evaluation from 8 May 01 to 10 May 01, the applicant was diagnosed with an adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood, and a personality disorder.  The psychiatrist stated that the applicant’s disorders were of such severity that they impaired her ability to function in the military environment.  The applicant was advised of her rights in the matter and that an honorable discharge would be recommended.

On 3 Jun 01, the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate found the discharge case file to be legally sufficient and recommended that the applicant be given an honorable discharge.

The discharge authority approved the discharge action and directed that the applicant be furnished an honorable discharge.

On 20 Jun 01, the applicant was discharged under the provisions of AFI 36-3208 (Personality Disorder) and furnished an honorable discharge.  She was credited with 1 year, 2 months, and 22 days of active service.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The Medical Consultant recommended denial noting that the applicant was diagnosed with both a personality disorder (the principle diagnosis), and an adjustment disorder.  According to the Medical Consultant, personality disorders and abnormal personality traits are frequently exacerbated by stress and may present with symptoms consistent with an adjustment disorder.  The fact that the applicant is functioning well at this time at home confirms the diagnosis of an 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 usual support system of family and friends.  Her past demonstrated inability to cope with the stress of military duty and the presence of a personality disorder is predictive of a significantly increased risk for recurrence of symptoms of an adjustment disorder that would render her unable to perform her duties if she is re-exposed to the rigors of military training and service.  In the Medical Consultant’s view, the action and disposition in this case were proper and equitable reflecting compliance with Air Force directives that implement the law, and that no change in the records is warranted.

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

AFPC/DPPRS recommended denial indicating that the applicant’s discharge was consistent with the procedural and substantive requirements of the discharge regulation, and was within the discretion of the discharge authority.  According to AFPC/DPPRS, her separation program designator code (SPD) was correct based on the reason for discharge.

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 with characterization of service) is correct and that no evidence was presented to support changing her RE code.

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 10 Oct 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 timely filed.

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 find it insufficient to override the rationale provided by the Air Force offices of primary responsibility (OPRs).  The evidence of record reflects that the applicant was diagnosed with an adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood, and a personality disorder.  As a result, she was honorably discharged with a personality disorder and given an RE code of “2C” (involuntarily separated with an honorable discharge; or entry level separation without characterization of service).  After reviewing the facts and circumstances of this case, we find no evidence that would lead us to believe that the applicant's narrative reason for separation was improper or contrary to the governing directives under which it was effected, or that the RE code was inappropriately assigned.  In view of the above, and in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we adopt the Air Force rationale and conclude that no basis exists upon which to recommend granting the relief sought in this application.

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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 AFBCMR Docket Number BC 2003-01317 in Executive Session on 18 Nov 03, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

    Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 10 Apr 03, w/atchs.
    Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
    Exhibit C.  Letter, Medical Consultant, dated 7 Jul 03.
    Exhibit D.  Letter, AFPC/DPPRS, dated 24 Jul 03.
    Exhibit E.  Letter, AFPC/DPPAE, dated 1 Oct 03.
    Exhibit F.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 10 Oct 03.