RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2003-01386
				INDEX CODE:  110.00
				COUNSEL:  None

				HEARING DESIRED:  No

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His reenlistment eligibility (RE) code be changed to allow him to enlist in the Army.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

Since his separation from the Air Force his personality disorder has been treated by a psychiatrist and a psychologist.  He believes he is fit for service and is seeking enlistment in the Army.

Applicant's complete submission is attached at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

Applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force on 25 September 2001, as an airman basic for a period of four years.

The applicant, while in technical school, was hospitalized from 28 February 2002 through 1 March 2002, for suicidal thoughts, depressed mood, anxiety, and sleep disturbances.

The applicant was diagnosed as having an Adjustment and Personality Disorder on 5 March 2002.

On 7 March 2002, the applicant's commander initiated administrative discharge action for conditions (mental disorder) that interfere with military service.  The basis for this action was that the mental health recommendation to the applicant’s commander stated “While [the applicant’s] Adjustment Disorder may be understood as a response to significant stressors in his life, the repetitive, dangerous and enduring nature of his maladaptive response to stress strongly indicates the presence of a Personality Disorder Not Otherwise Specified.  This makes it likely that he will continue to be (sic) act out inappropriately and will be (sic) susceptible to such events as Adjustment Disorders while on active duty.  Future suicidal ideations and behavior may require further hospitalizations and administrative action.  The applicant’s maladaptive response to stress is so severe that is (sic) impairs his ability to function effectively in a military environment.  Furthermore, given the enduring quality of his personality, this military impairment is unlikely to change in the near future.”  The health care provider recommended an administrative discharge.

The commander advised the applicant of his right to consult legal counsel and that legal counsel had been obtained to assist him; and to submit statements in his own behalf, or waive the above rights.

The commander indicated in his recommendation for discharge action that if his recommendation was approved, the applicant's separation would be characterized as entry-level.

On 7 March 2002, the applicant waived his right to consult counsel or submit a statement in his behalf.

On 20 March 2002, the applicant was separated from the Air Force for a Personality Disorder with an uncharacterized entry-level separation.  He served 5 months and 25 days of active service.  He received an RE code of “2C” which means "Involuntarily separated with an honorable discharge; or entry level separation without service characterization.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The Chief Medical Consultant, AFBCMR, states that an Adjustment Disorder and Personality Disorder are conditions that are not medically disqualifying or unfitting conditions for continued active service, however, it may be determined the servicemember is unsuitable for further military service.  An 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 an Adjustment Disorder is the condition resolves with relief of the stressors.  Personality disorders are life long patterns of maladjustment in the individual’s personality which interfere with the individual’s normal social and occupational functioning and may impair the individual’s ability to cope with stress.  The applicant was diagnosed with Personality and Adjustment Disorders.  The Adjustment Disorder may resolve once the stressors are eliminated from the individual’s environment.  But the maladaptive personality traits of a Personality Disorder do not resolve.  The applicant submitted a statement from his civilian psychiatrist stating the applicant appears to have stabilized.  This confirms the diagnosis of an Adjustment Disorder, but this is not an indication that the applicant will respond well to the stresses of an military environment.  The Medical Consultant further believes that if the applicant were re-exposed to the rigors of military training and service, it would put him at a significant risk of recurrence of the symptoms of an Adjustment Disorder.  The medical consultant further states that the action and disposition of this case was proper and equitable and recommends no change in the applicant’s records.

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

HQ AFPC/DPPRS states based upon the documentation in the applicant's records, they believe his discharge was consistent with the procedural and substantive requirements of the discharge regulation.  Also, the discharge was within the sound discretion of the discharge authority.

Furthermore, Air Force policy is that entry-level separations/uncharacterized service characterizations are given to servicemembers who have not completed more than 180 days of continuous active service.  The Department of Defense (DOD) determined if a servicemember served less than 180 days of active service, that it would be unfair to the member to characterize that service.  The applicant's uncharacterized service is correct and in accordance with DOD and AFIs.  DPPRS recommends the denying the applicant’s request.

A complete copy of the Air Force evaluation is attached at Exhibit D.

HQ AFPC/DPPAE states the applicant received a reenlistment eligibility code of "2C," indicating the member was involuntarily separated with an honorable discharge, or entry level separation without characterization, which is correct (Exhibit E).

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

Copies of the Air Force evaluations were forwarded to the applicant on 17 October 2003, for review and response.  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 timely filed.

3.	Insufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of an error or injustice.  Applicant’s contentions are duly noted; however, we are not persuaded that the applicant has been the victim of an error or injustice.  At the time members are separated from the Air Force, they are furnished an RE code predicated upon the quality of their service and circumstances of their separation.  After a thorough review of the evidence of record, we believe that given the circumstances surrounding the applicant’s separation, the RE code issued was in accordance with the appropriate directives.  Although the applicant has received some medical treatment for his personality disorder, the statement from his civilian psychiatrist does not provide persuasive evidence to support the applicant’s assertion that if he would reenter active duty he would be able to handle the stressors of an military environment.  Therefore, in the absence of 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 AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2003-01386 in Executive Session on 18 November 2003 under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

   Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 19 Mar 03, w/atch.
   Exhibit B.  Master Personnel Records.
   Exhibit C.  Letter, AFBCMR Medical Consultant, dated 18 Jul 03.
   Exhibit D.  Letter, AFPC/DPPRS, dated 20 Aug 03.
   Exhibit E.  Letter, AFPC/DPPAE, dated 30 Sep 03.
   Exhibit F.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 17 Oct 03.