RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2003-02969
		INDEX CODE:  110.00

		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His narrative reason for separation (personality disorder) be changed.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

The disorder he received is not permanent and he is totally recovered.  He desires to join the XXXXXX Air National Guard.

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

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

Applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force on 6 September 2000 in the grade of airman basic for a period of six years.

On 21 November 2001, the applicant received a letter of reprimand (LOR), for his failure to make a scheduled PHA appointment.

On 21 December 2001, the commander withheld the applicant’s promotion.  He indicated the applicant declined to accept the responsibilities commensurate with the rank of airman first class.

On 10 January 2002, the applicant received a letter of reprimand (LOR), for wearing a tongue stud.

A mental health summary, dated 9 January 2002, indicates the following:

	On 30 November 2001 the applicant expressed dissatisfaction with his job and his desire to separate from the Air Force, wondering if mental health could help him separate.  He said he would like to separate from the Air Force in any way that does not involve getting into trouble. 

	On 3 December 2001, the applicant was seen in the alcohol and drug abuse prevention and treatment program.  He did not mention any traumatic event or anxiety symptoms.

	On 17 December 2001, the applicant was seen by the psychiatrist and stated he had experienced a traumatic event in October and anxiety symptoms.  The psychiatrist felt his story lacked credibility.

	He was diagnosed with AXIS I: v71.09 No Diagnosis on Axis I; AXIS II: v71.09 No Diagnosis on Axis II; AXIS III: Unremarkable.

On 24 January 2002, the applicant’s civilian provider diagnosed the applicant with post-traumatic stress disorder and major depressive disorder.  He did not believe the applicant would ever be able to function effectively within his squadron because of the distrust between the squadron and the applicant.

On 4 February 2002, the clinical psychologist recommended the applicant for permanent decertification from the Personnel Reliability Program (PRP).  The evaluation indicated the applicant was self-referred to the Life Skills Support Center on 30 November 2001 and had been seen a total of eight times for treatment of self-reported occupation dissatisfaction, alcohol use, and anxiety.  In addition he independently sought treatment from a civilian provider who diagnosed him with post-traumatic stress disorder and a major depressive disorder.  

The clinical psychologist indicated the applicant had not provided a complete account of events transpiring in October 2001.  Psychological testing indicated the applicant experienced significant psychological distress related to anxiety and fear about real or imagined threats.  He may have viewed the world as unsafe and was fearful much of the time.  An exaggerated self-worth, a strong identification with traditional masculine interests, and a belief that “men are strong individuals” likely caused significant distress and eroded self-confidence as he was perceived as having a lack of self-control and had concerns for personal safety.  Persecutory beliefs were a common theme and he likely distrusted others and believed he was being unfairly blamed or punished.  The applicant had a strong need for affection and safety that he identified with home.  Individuals with a similar response style often experience problems with alcohol and drugs.

The recommendation further indicated the applicant possessed the skills and abilities necessary to function effectively in the military, his lack of motivation to remain in the Air Force and his perceived lack of support by the military community decreased the probability of effective treatment and increased the severity of symptoms impairing his ability to function.  He was judged unsuitable for military service.  He was recommended for permanent decertification from PRP due to the diagnosis of adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood.  He is not recommended for “A” or “B” weapons bearing on the basis of the mental health diagnosis.

On 13 February 2002, the applicant was permanently decertified from the Air Force Nuclear Weapons PRP in accordance with AFI 36-2104 for being diagnosed with adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood.

On 4 April 2002, the applicant was notified of his commander's intent to initiate discharge action against him for a mental disorder.  He was diagnosed with AXIS I: 309.28 Adjustment Disorder with Mixed Anxiety and Depressed Mood, Acute.  The clinical psychologist indicated the applicant’s condition was severe enough to render him unsuitable for military service.  His behavior warranted a recommendation for administrative separation in accordance with DOD Directive 6490.1 paragraph 4.3.6.2

The commander indicated in his recommendation for discharge action that probation and rehabilitation were not appropriate based upon the diagnosis by the clinical psychologist.

The commander advised the applicant of his right to consult legal counsel and to submit statements in his own behalf; or waive the above rights after consulting with counsel.

After consulting counsel, the applicant waived his right to submit statements in his own behalf.

On 15 April 2002, the Deputy Staff Judge Advocate, recommended the applicant be discharged for a mental disorder with an honorable discharge without probation and rehabilitation.

The discharge authority approved the applicant’s honorable discharge.

Applicant was honorably discharged on 19 April 2002, in the grade of airman, under the provisions of AFI 36-3208 (Personality Disorder).  He served a total of 1 year, 7 months and 14 days of total active military service.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The BCMR Medical Consultant recommends denial.  He indicated the applicant was diagnosed with maladaptive personality traits on Axis II of the formal psychiatric diagnosis and the reviewer concluded that the applicant’s difficulties were mostly due to his maladaptive personality traits and his DD Form 214 accurately reflects the reason for discharge.  The fact that he is functioning well at this time at home confirms his diagnosis of Adjustment Disorder, however, it does not predict that he will respond well to the stresses of military operations, assignment to duties he does not like, deployment, or combat when is separated from his familiar surroundings and usual support system of family and friends.  His underlying personality structure and his past experience is predictive of an unacceptably increased risk for recurrence of symptoms when re-exposed to the requirements and rigors of military service.  Action and disposition in this case are proper and equitable reflecting compliance with Air Force directives that implement the law.

The evaluation is at Exhibit C.

AFPC/DPPRSP recommended denial.  They indicated based upon the documentation in the file, they believe the discharge was consistent with the procedural and substantive requirements of the discharge regulation.  Additionally, the discharge was within the discretion of the discharge authority.  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.  Accordingly, they concur with the BCMR Medical Consultant advisory and recommend his records remain the same.  He has filed a timely request.

The evaluation is at Exhibit D.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

On 19 December 2003, copies of the Air Force evaluations were forwarded to the applicant for review and response 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 timely filed.

3.	Insufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of an error or injustice that would warrant a change to his narrative reason for separation (personality disorder).  After a thorough review of the evidence of record we are not persuaded that given the circumstances surrounding his separation from the Air Force, the narrative reason for separation should be changed.  The applicant contends the disorder he received is not permanent and he is totally recovered and desires to join the XXXXX Air National Guard.  The applicant has not provided any evidence which would lead us to believe otherwise.  We note the opinion from the BCMR Medical Consultant which indicates the applicant’s initial contact with mental health professionals was due to job dissatisfaction and a desire to separate from the Air Force.  After his initial request for separation was not successful, he disclosed a traumatic event that occurred in October 2001 while on leave and believed` he was feeling symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.  After additional mental health evaluations the applicant was diagnosed with an adjustment disorder and his difficulties were mostly due to his maladaptive personality traits.  The Medical Consultant further indicates the fact that the applicant is functioning well at this time at home confirms his diagnosis of adjustment disorder, however, it does not predict that he will respond well to the stresses of military operations, assignment to duties he does not like, deployment, or combat when he is separated from his familiar surroundings and usual support system of family and friends.  His underlying personality structure and his past experience is predictive of an unacceptably increased risk for recurrence of symptoms when re-exposed to the requirements and rigors of military service.  In view of the above, the applicant has not shown to the satisfaction of the Board that it would be to the applicant’s or the Air Force’s benefit to return him to a situation that has caused so much distress in the past.  Therefore, in the absence of persuasive evidence to the contrary, we find no compelling basis to recommend granting the relief sought.

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THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT:

The applicant be notified that the evidence presented did not demonstrate the existence of an 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-2003-02969 in Executive Session on 11 February 2004, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

   Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 23 March 2003, w/atchs.
   Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
   Exhibit C.  Letter, AFBCMR Medical Consultant,
               dated 7 November 2003.
   Exhibit D.  Letter, AFPC/DPPRSP, dated 26 November 2003.
   Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 19 December 2003.