RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:				DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2003-02025
								INDEX CODE:  110.02
								COUNSEL: 

								HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

The narrative reason for her discharge be changed from “Personality Disorder” to “Administrative” or “Convenience of the Government.”

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

Personality disorder insinuates she was diagnosed with this condition.  This is incorrect.

In support of her application she provided a copy of her separation document.  The applicant’s complete submission, with attachment, is at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

On 7 May 2002, the applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force in the grade of airman basic for a period of four years.  After completing basic military and technical training, the applicant was assigned to duties as a Food Service Apprentice.  The applicant received a Letter of Evaluation for the period 4 September 2002 to 2 January 2003, in which she was characterized as a “good performer” and “excellent food service representative.”

On 10 January 2003, the applicant’s commander recommended the applicant be discharged from the Air Force under the provisions of AFPD 36-32 and AFI 36-3208 because of a mental disorder that severely affected her ability to function effectively in the military environment.  The applicant was advised of her rights.  The applicant acknowledged receipt of the notification and after consulting military legal counsel, waived her right to submit statements in her own behalf.  The commander thereafter initiated a recommendation for the applicant’s separation.  In a legal review of the discharge case file, dated 16 January 2003, the staff judge advocate found the file was legally sufficient and recommended the proposed separation be approved.  The file was subsequently returned to unit authorities by the discharge authority for reassessment based on the contents of the Letter of Evaluation.  On 11 February 2003, the applicant’s commander re-notified the applicant of her recommendation to separate the applicant with an honorable discharge using an addendum to the notification package.  The purpose of the addendum was to include the report of an additional psychiatric evaluation dated 28 January 2003.  The applicant was again advised of her rights.  After again consulting counsel, the applicant waived her right to submit statements in her own behalf.  The file was forwarded for further consideration by the discharge authority.  Included in the file was an impact statement concerning the Letter of Evaluation. 

In a legal review of the discharge case file dated 13 February 2003, the staff judge advocate found the file was legally sufficient and supported the recommendation that the applicant be separated from the service.  On 18 February 2003, the discharge authority approved the recommended separation and directed the applicant be discharged with an honorable discharge without the offer of probation and rehabilitation.

The applicant was honorably discharged on 19 February 2003 under the provisions of AFI 36-3208 (personality disorder).  She had completed a total of 9 months and 13 days and was serving in the grade of Airman (E-2) at the time of discharge.
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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The BCMR Medical Consultant summarized the information contained in the applicant’s personnel and medical records, and is of the opinion that no change in the applicant’s record is warranted.  The BCMR Medical Consultant stated the records clearly document a diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder and a significant pre-service history of emotional problems.  Personality disorders are lifelong patterns of maladjustment in the individual’s personality structure 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.  The BCMR Medical Consultant is of the opinion that this case was properly evaluated by the evidence of record and there is no evidence of error or irregularity in the processing of this case.  A complete copy of this evaluation is at Exhibit C.

HQ AFPC/DPPRS recommends denial.  DPPRS indicated the applicant did not submit any new evidence or identify any errors or injustices that occurred in the discharge process.  Additionally, she provided no facts warranting a change in her discharge.  The DPPRS evaluation is at Exhibit D.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

Copies of the Air Force evaluations were forwarded to the applicant on 24 December 2003 for review and comment within 30 days.  As of this date, this office has received no response.

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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 probable error or injustice that would warrant a change to her separation code.  We agree with the opinions and recommendations of the Air Force offices of primary responsibility that the separation code which was assigned at the time of her separation accurately reflects the circumstances of her separation and evidence has not been provided that would lead us to believe otherwise.  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 this application in Executive Session on 25 February 2004, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603.

The following documentary evidence was considered in connection with AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2003-02025

   Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 10 Jun 2003.
   Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
   Exhibit C.  Letter, BCMR Medical Consultant, 20 Nov 03.
   Exhibit D.  Letter, HQ AFPC/DPPRS, dated 18 Dec 03.
   Exhibit E.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 24 Dec 03.