RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2003-03330
		INDEX CODE:  100.03, 100.06
	 	COUNSEL:  NONE

	 	HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His reenlistment eligibility (RE) code and disability rating be changed to one that would allow him to reenlist.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

During the time of his psychological episode, psychiatrists spent more time attempting to diagnose him instead of consulting with him to find the root of the episode.  After speaking to a psychiatrist he believes this is true and the doctor said that his diagnosis does not exist.  He served four years of service with no psychological symptoms or in the 3 years subsequent to his discharge.  He never thought he had a mental disorder until he received a diagnosis, which made him believe he had a long-term problem.

In support of his request, applicant provided a personal statement and a copy of a Consult Request.  

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

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force as an airman basic on 26 July 1995 for a term of 4 years.  On 30 September 1999, he was hospitalized with psychotic symptoms including delusions, hallucinations and homicidal ideation and subsequently was diagnosed as schizophreniform disorder.  Following improvement and stabilization of his condition, he underwent evaluation in the disability evaluation system.  The informal and formal Physical Evaluation Boards determined that he was unfit for continued duty due to his schizophrenia disorder and recommended separation.  On 13 March 2000, the applicant was discharged from the Air Force, under the provision of AFI 36-3212, (Disability-Severance Pay).  He served 4 years, 7 months and 18 days on active duty and received an RE code of “2Q” “Personnel medically retired or discharged”.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The BCMR Medical Consultant recommends denial.  The applicant experienced symptoms diagnosed as schizophreniform disorder while on active duty.  Review of available documentation in the service medical records support the diagnosis and the equity and propriety of the disability discharge.  The applicant provides a psychiatry evaluation performed three years after discharge that indicates the applicant is currently doing very well, without symptoms of mental illness.  The fact that the applicant is currently doing well does not negate the facts of his fall 1999 mental illness.  Not only was this illness disqualifying for continued military service at the time, it is disqualifying for reentry onto active duty even though he is currently doing well because of the unacceptable risk for recurrence.  Action and disposition in this case are proper and equitable reflecting compliance with Air Force directives that implement the law.

The Medical Consultant’s evaluation is at Exhibit C.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 19 Mar 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 excuse the failure to timely file.

3.  Insufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of an error or injustice to warrant changing the applicant’s reenlistment eligibility (RE) code or his disability rating.  We took notice of the applicant’s complete submission in judging the merits of the case, however; we agree with the opinions and recommendations of the Air Force office 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.  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-2003-03330 in Executive Session on 27 April 2004, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit A.	DD Form 149, dated 28 Oct 03, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.	Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.	Letter, BCMR Medical Consultant, dated 25 Feb 04.
	Exhibit D.	Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 19 Mar 04.