RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:				DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2003-03187
							INDEX CODE 100.06
	 						COUNSEL: No 

							HEARING DESIRED: No

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His reenlistment eligibility (RE) code be changed to a qualifying code.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He is more focused on his future and would like to earn his degree on aircraft maintenance and become an officer. He wants to travel, provide a better future for his family, and retire from the Air Force. He would be proud to wear the uniform.

The applicant’s complete submission, with attachment, is at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force on 11 Dec 96. He was assigned to the XXth Maintenance Squadron at F.E. Warren AFB, WY, as a materiel control technician. His two performance reports reflect overall ratings of 4 and 3.

On 5 Mar 99, the Mental Health Clinic recommended the applicant be permanently decertified from the Personnel Reliability Program (PRP) because of ongoing depressed mood and difficulties adjusting to the area and climate. The evaluation noted the applicant had been on-and-off PRP status several times in the last 45 days. The problem was believed to be chronic and efforts to correct it were ineffective. Prognosis was that the problem would continue. The applicant was still able to successfully perform Air Force duties and did not have a medically disqualifying condition. 

The applicant was permanently decertified on 15 Mar 99.

He was promoted to the grade of senior airman effective 11 Apr 99.

A 19 Apr 99 Mental Health Clinic Narrative Summary reported the applicant’s mood symptoms had persisted at an intensity that compromised his functioning within the Air Force. The diagnosis was adjustment disorder with depressed mood. Administrative separation was recommended.

A 25 Apr 99 memo from XX MXS/LGMSD reported the applicant threatened suicide and personal injury. He required 100% supervision while on duty and was incapable of performing his duties. He required supervisors to come to his home and monitor him during off-duty time and had a history of prior suicide attempts.

On 11 Jun 99, the applicant was notified of his commander’s intent to recommend an honorable discharge for a condition interfering with military service. The 19 Apr 99 mental health evaluation was cited as the reason. The applicant acknowledged receipt. 

In an undated letter, the commander recommended an honorable discharge because the applicant’s mental disorder severely impacted his ability to function in a military environment and he was not amenable to further treatment. Probation and rehabilitation (P&R) were not recommended. On 16 Jun 99, after consulting counsel, the applicant waived his right to submit statements.

Legal review on 18 Jun 99 found the case sufficient to support discharge and recommended an honorable discharge without P&R.

On 19 Jun 99, the discharge authority approved the discharge and, on 23 Jun 99, the applicant was honorably discharged in the grade of senior airman after 2 years, 6 months and 12 days of active service. He received an RE code of “2C” (Involuntarily separated with an honorable discharge or an entry-level separation) and a separation program designator (SPD) code of “JFX” (Personality Disorder).

On 10 Feb 04, HQ AFPC/DPPRSP advised the applicant that the SPD code and narrative reason had been administratively changed to “JFF” and “Secretarial Authority,” respectively.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The AFBCMR Medical Consultant contends that individuals who develop adjustment disorder due to the stress of the routine rigors of military service, with or without concomitant personal issues, are not suited for military service and are subject to administrative discharge by their commander. The Consultant notes the narrative reason for discharge is “Personality Disorder,” even though the applicant was not diagnosed with this disorder. The DOD uses this term administratively to include all unsuiting character and behavior disorders, including adjustment disorder, personality disorder and impulse control disorder. This 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. Although administratively correct, the narrative reason is inaccurate. The fact that the applicant is functioning well at this time confirms his diagnosis of adjustment disorder; however, it does not predict he will respond well to the stresses of military operations, deployment, or combat when he is separated from his familiar surroundings and support system of family and friends. The Consultant recommends the applicant’s narrative reason be changed to “Secretarial Authority,” but the RE code should remain the same. [Note: The narrative reason has been administratively changed to “Secretarial Authority.”]

A complete copy of the evaluation is at Exhibit C.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

A complete copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 20 Feb 04 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 not timely filed; however, it is in the interest of justice to waive the failure to timely file.

3.	Insufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of an error or injustice to warrant altering the applicant’s RE code. The SPD code and narrative reason for his discharge, “Personality Disorder,” have been appropriately changed to “Secretarial Authority” since the applicant did not have that condition.  However, he was diagnosed as having an adjustment disorder with depressed mood. He threatened suicide and personal injury and required constant supervision. The AFBCMR Medical Consultant advises that adjustment disorder is characterized by marked psychological distress, beyond a normally expected response to identifiable stressors, which overcomes an individual’s ability to cope. The Consultant warns the fact that the applicant is functioning well at this time confirms the adjustment disorder diagnosis.  The applicant’s past experience and diagnosis indicates an increased risk for recurrence of debilitating depressed mood and adjustment disorder if he was returned to the stresses of military operations, deployment or combat. We agree with this assessment. As the applicant has not demonstrated he was improperly discharged or would be able to adjust to stressors encountered in a military environment, we find no basis upon which to recommend granting the requested relief beyond that already administratively afforded.

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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 7 April 2004, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence relating to AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2003-03187 was considered:

	Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 16 Sep 03, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C. Letter, AFBCMR Medical Consultant, dated 22 Jan 04.
	Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 20 Feb 04.