RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2003-01330
		INDEX NUMBER:  145.00
		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

The narrative reason for separation on his DD Form 214 be changed from disability, existing prior to service, to disability, service connected and his reenlistment eligibility (RE) code be changed.
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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

His disability did not exist prior service (EPTS) and his reenlistment eligibility (RE) code is too harsh and prevents him from reenlisting.

In support of his request, the applicant submits a copy of his DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, a copy of a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs, a copy of a letter from his doctor, a personal statement, a letter of support, and a copy of AF Form 618, Medical Board Report.

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

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant entered active duty on 5 April 2000, completed basic training, and became an Aircrew Life Support Apprentice.  On 26 November 2001, the Informal Physical Evaluation Board (IPEB) found the applicant unfit and determined that the applicant’s condition existed prior to service and recommended discharge under other than Chapter 61. In their decision, the IPEB commented, “The IPEB notes symptoms of member’s condition surfaced within the first 2-3 months of his entry on active duty and is natural progression of his disease.  The Board also notes his personality disorder and opines it significantly affects the severity of his panic disorder.  The IPEB opines his social and industrial adaptability impairment rating would best be described as mild IAW DoD an VASRD guidelines (were it not for the personality disorder).  On 18 December 2001, the applicant accepted the findings and recommendations of the IPEB and waived his right to a formal hearing.  He separated on 5 February 2002, for physical disability due to a condition that existed prior to service with 1 year, 10 months and 1 day total active service. 

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AIR FORCE EVALUATIONS:

The BCMR Medical Consultant recommends denial.  The applicant was diagnosed with both a panic disorder and personality disorder that interfered with the performance of duty and led to discharge from the Air Force.  Because the applicant’s chronic panic disorder began so soon after entering active duty (within 90 days), the Informal Physical Evaluation Board determined that the condition existed prior to entering service.  According to DoD instruction 1332.38, signs or symptoms of chronic disease identified so soon after the day of entry on military service (usually within 180 days), that the disease could not have originated in that short a period, will be accepted as proof that the disease manifested prior to entrance into active military service.

Action and disposition in this case are proper and equitable reflecting compliance with Air Force directives that implement the law.

The BCMR Medical Consultant’s evaluation is at Exhibit C.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATIONS:

Applicant responded and states that his medical condition did not exist prior to service.  He was very active in sports before entering the military and had no problems with anxiety.  His family and friends know that he did not have this condition prior to entering the military and he can provide additional supporting documentation from them.  He completed basic training with no problems or administrative actions taken against him.

The applicant’s complete submission is at Exhibit E.

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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.  Evidence has not been provided in support of his appeal, which would lead us to believe that a change to his RE code or narrative reason is warranted.  Therefore, we agree with the opinions and recommendation of the BCMR Medical Consultant that the applicant has not been the victim of an error or injustice.  Therefore, in the absence of persuasive evidence to the contrary, we find no compelling basis 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 this application in Executive Session on 2 September 2003, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered for AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2003-01330:

	Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 10 Jan 03, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.  Letter, BCMR Medical Consultant, dated 6 Aug 03.
	Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBC , dated 8 Aug 03, w/atchs.
	Exhibit F.  Letter, Applicant, dated 18 Aug 03.