RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2003-02030
		INDEX CODE:  110.02

		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED: NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His Narrative Reason for Separation be changed from Personality Disorder to Depression and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

An Air Force psychologist diagnosed him with ADHD and depression, yet on his separation papers the narrative reason for separation was listed as Personality Disorder.  He claims certain VA benefits are being withheld as a result.  He states he is still taking the prescribed medicines and is currently seeing a psychologist for depression issues. 

In support of his appeal, the applicant has provided a copy of a Department of Veterans Affairs Application for Compensation or Pension.

His complete submission, with attachment, is at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

Applicant entered active duty on 10 November 1998.  He sought help in the fall of 1999 for occupational difficulties and was diagnosed with ADHD – Adult Residual Type, Adjustment Disorder with Depressed mood and Dependant Personality Traits.  On 13 March 2000, he was command-directed to a mental health evaluation where he stated he had been depressed for six months, had been suicidal, and had refused to return to work.  As a result of deteriorating duty performance, he had received two letters of reprimand (LOR) and an Article 15 for dereliction of duty.  The formal psychiatric diagnosis included Axis I: Adjustment Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified with mixed features of anxiety and depression, ADHD, Not Otherwise Specified, and Axis II: Dependent Personality Traits.  As a result, he was considered unsuited for continued military service.  On 19 April 2000, he was administratively discharged (Personality Disorder) with an honorable discharge, as an Airman (E-2), after serving one year, five months and ten days of active duty.  

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The AFBCMR Medical Consultant reviewed this application and recommended denial.  He states the DoD uses the term “personality disorder” administratively on the DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, to include all unsuiting character and behavior disorders including Adjustment Disorder, Personality Disorders, and Impulse Control Disorders.  This term is confusing because the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders uses the term “personality disorder” in a specific, defined manner to classify specific disorders of personality that do not include Adjustment Disorder or Impulse Control Disorder.  Prior regulations used the more inclusive and less confusing “character and behavior disorder.”

Since the applicant was also diagnosed on AXIS II: with Abnormal Dependent Personality Traits and demonstrated misconduct more consistent with maladaptive personality traits than a learning disorder, the medical consultant concludes the narrative reason for separation is appropriate.

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

AFPC/DPPRSP recommends denial.  DPPRSP states the applicant did not submit any new evidence or identify any errors or injustices that occurred in the discharge processing.  Additionally, he provided no facts warranting a change in his discharge.  DPPRSP holds that the discharge was consistent with the procedural and substantive requirements of the discharge regulation and was within the discharge authorities discretion.

DPPRSP’s complete 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 17 October 2003 for review and comment within 30 days.  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 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.  We took notice of the applicant's complete submission in judging the merits of the case; however, we agree with the opinion and recommendations of the Air Force offices of primary responsibility and adopt their rationale as the basis for our conclusion that the applicant has not been the victim of an error or injustice.  The BCMR Medical Consultant indicated the applicant was additionally diagnosed on Axis II; abnormal Dependent Personality Traits and demonstrated misconduct more consistent with maladaptive personality traits than a learning disorder.  Subsequently, the narrative reason of personality disorder in this case is appropriate.  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-2003-02030 in Executive Session on 10 December 2003, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

    Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 11 Jun 03, w/atchs. 
    Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
    Exhibit C.  Letter, BCMR Medical Consultant, dated 15 Sep 03.
    Exhibit D.  Letter, AFPC/DPPRSP, dated 8 Oct 03.
    Exhibit E.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 17 Oct 03.