RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2003-02029
		INDEX CODE:  110.00

		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

Her honorable discharge be changed to a medical discharge.
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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

She was given an early discharge because she was found to be psychologically unfit to serve.

In support of her request, the applicant suggests the Board review her military personnel and medical records.  The applicant’s complete submission is at Exhibit A.
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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

Applicant contracted her enlistment in the Regular Air Force on 4 October 1978 for a period of four years.  She was progressively promoted to the grade of airman (E-2), with an effective date and date of rank of 4 April 1979.

On 15 August 1979, the applicant submitted a request for separation under the provisions of AFR 39-10, Chapter 3, Section E (Dependency and Hardship).  Her request was approved by the discharge authority.

She was honorably discharged on 16 August 1979 under the provisions of AFR 39-10 (SPD code: KDB, which defined means “Hardship Reasons”).  She had completed a total of 10 months and 13 days and was serving in the grade of airman (E-2) at the time of discharge.  She received an RE Code of “1J”, which defined means "Eligible to reenlist, but elects separation or discharge.”

The Department of Veteran’s Administration rating decision of 27 June 2003 indicates a denial of applicant’s claims for service-connected disability.
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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 states that no mental health documentation is present in the personnel file in support of her discharge.  Nothing in the applicant’s letter or the chaplain’s letter makes any reference to other than stress.  The DVA mental health providers have diagnosed the applicant with Adjustment Disorder during periods of stress.  This condition, when occurring while on active duty, does not make a member eligible for evaluation in the disability evaluation system, but rather, can render the member unsuitable for continued military service and subject to administrative discharge by their commander.  Action and disposition in this case are proper and equitable reflecting compliance with Air Force directives that implement the law.  Details of his evaluation are at Exhibit C.
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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to applicant on 19 December 2003 for review and response.  As of this date, no response has been received by this office (Exhibit D).
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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 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.  Her contentions are duly noted; however, we do not find these uncorroborated assertions, in and by themselves sufficiently persuasive to override the rationale provided by the appropriate Air Force office.  In this respect, we note the evidence of record supports the applicant having symptoms of situational stress rather than a mental condition warranting evaluation in the disability system at the time of her discharge.  We, therefore, agree with the opinion and recommendation of the BCMR Medical Consultant and adopt the rationale expressed as the basis for our decision that the applicant has failed to sustain her burden that she has suffered either an error or an injustice.  In view of the above and absent 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 Docket Number BC-2003-02029 in Executive Session on 25 March 2004, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

   Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 4 Jun 03.
   Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
   Exhibit C.  Letter, BCMR Medical Consultant, dated 8 Dec 03.
   Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 19 Dec 03.