RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2003-03024
		INDEX NUMBER: 108.00

	XXXXXXX	COUNSEL:  NONE

	XXXXXXX	HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

He be reinstated to active duty or in the alternative he receive severance pay and disability compensation.

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THE APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

His condition never existed prior to his military service.  He was never diagnosed or treated for any mental disorder.  It was not until August 2002, that he sought help.  He was later diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder and placed on Prozac to combat the symptoms.  There are many members of the armed forces with the same disorder; however, due to his position requiring his Personal Reliability Program (PRP) certification he was discharged.  His physician told him that if he were in a non-PRP position, he would not be discharged.  It appears the Air Force does not want to spend the money to cross train him.  Further, it is unjust to be medically discharged without any compensation.  His military service ignited his condition and the Air Force is responsible for his diagnosis and treatment.

In support of the appeal, applicant submits a statement from his spouse and two physicians.

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

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant entered active duty in the Air Force on 13 February 2001 and served as a missile and space systems maintenance apprentice.  On 6 August 2002, he sought care in the Life Skills Support Center.  On 20 August 2002, a psychiatrist diagnosed him with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and referred him to a Medical Evaluation Board (MEB).  Based on the diagnosis of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, the MEB recommended he appear before a Physical Evaluation Board (PEB).  On 11 March 2003, the commander recommended his return to duty and cross training into a less physically demanding career field.  On 25 March 2003, an Informal PEB (IPEB) found him unfit due to Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, existed prior to service (EPTS) without service aggravation, and recommended his discharge.  The applicant did not agree with the IPEB findings and demanded a hearing of his case before a Formal Physical Evaluation Board (FPEB).  On 16 May 2003, the FPEB agreed with the IPEB findings and recommendation.  The applicant appealed the FPEB findings to the Secretary of the Air Force Personnel Council (SAFPC).  The SAFPC upheld the findings of the FPEB on 12 August 2003.  He was honorably discharged on 6 October 2003, under the provisions of AFI 36-3213 (Disability, Existed Prior to Service, PEB).  He completed 2 years, 7 months, and 24 days of active service.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The BCMR Medical Consultant recommends the application be denied and states, in part, that applicant’s service medical records clearly show the condition existed prior to military service having onset in childhood.  He experienced worsening symptoms when he merely anticipated training and duties directly involving nuclear missiles.  Although his symptoms were controlled with medication, his is prone to exacerbations under similar stresses.  Since his symptoms improved with treatment, there is no evidence his condition was permanently aggravated by service and would warrant disability compensation.

The BCMR Medical Consultant evaluation is at Exhibit C.

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APPLICANT’S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

He was labeled by an Air Force physician, placed on medication, and kicked out onto the streets without compensation with which to purchase the medication he became dependent upon.  There is absolutely no evidence in his civilian medical records stating anything about a mental disorder.

Applicant’s complete submission is at Exhibit E.

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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 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 recommendation of the BCMR Medical Consultant and adopt his rationale as the basis for our conclusion that the applicant has not been the victim of an error or injustice.  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 Docket Number BC-2003-03024 in Executive Session on 3 August 2004, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

    Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 8 Sep 03, w/atchs.
    Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
    Exhibit C.  Letter, BCMR Medical Consultant, dated 8 Mar 04.
    Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 19 Mar 04.
    Exhibit E.  Letter, Applicant, undated.