RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2003-03399
				INDEX CODE:  110.00
				COUNSEL:  NONE

				HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

Her reenlistment eligibility (RE) code be changed to allow her to reenlist in military service.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

Her reentry code is improper due to the fact she was suffering from post-partum syndrome.  Before this depression, she never had depression out of the normal.  She believes all the diagnoses except the post-partum are incorrect and she should be allowed to reenter military service.

Applicant's complete submission, with an attachment, is attached at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

Applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force (RegAF) on 10 January 1998, as an airman basic (AB), for a period of four years.

From 18 through 30 August 2000 and 3 through 13 September 2000, the applicant was hospitalized for depression, suicidal ideations and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).  

The applicant’s commander stated in a letter to the MEB the applicant’s condition rendered her unable to perform her duties.  She further stated the applicant requested to be removed her from duty station because her job created increased and undue stress.  The commander reassigned the applicant.  She also stated the applicant could not balance her personal life and the demands placed on military members.  The commander further believed the applicant drained the squadron in terms of workload and morale.

On 14 November 2000, the applicant underwent a Medical Board Evaluation (MEB).  The MEB diagnosed the applicant with Major Depressive Disorder, Single Episode, Severe; Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Existed Prior to Service (EPTS), Dysthymic Disorder (EPTS), and Borderline Personality Disorder.  The MEB referred the case to the Informal Physical Evaluation Board (IPEB).

The applicant, in her undated response to the MEB, stated she preferred to be discharged due to her problems.  

On 4 December 2000, the IPEB convened and diagnosed the applicant with Major Depressive Disorder, associated with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder EPTS without service aggravation with definite social and industrial adaptability impairment and Borderline Personality Disorder.  The IPEB recommended the applicant be discharged under other than Chapter 10 USC (EPTS).  The applicant concurred with the findings of the IPEB on 13 December 2000.

On 13 February 2001, the applicant was honorably discharged under the provisions of AFI 36-3212, Disability, Existed Prior To Service and issued an RE code of “2Q,” Personnel medically retired or discharged.  The applicant served two years, eight months and four days of active military service.

After reviewing the applicable instruction, AFI 36-2606, it appears the RE code is correct.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The Chief Medical Consultant, AFBCMR, states the applicant was discharged due to depression and post traumatic stress disorder which required hospitalization.  The Medical Consultant further states the applicant’s condition was more than simple post-partum blues and her condition disqualified her for reentry regardless of her current level of functioning.  The Medical Consultant recommends the requested relief be denied.

A copy of the Air Force evaluation is attached 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 5 March 2004, for review and response.  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 error or injustice.  After careful consideration of the circumstances of this case and the evidence provided by the applicant, we are not persuaded the discharge action and the resulting reenlistment code she received were in error or unjust.  Applicant’s contentions are duly noted; however, we agree with the opinion and recommendation of the AFBCMR 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.  In this respect, the Medical Consultant states the applicant was not experiencing simple post-partum blues; rather she was discharged due to being hospitalized for a psychiatric condition, depression, and post traumatic stress disorder, which all are disqualifying factors for reenlistment in military service.  Therefore, in view of the above and 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-2003-03399 in Executive Session on 7 April 2004 under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit A.	DD Form 149, dated 18 Oct 03, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.	Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.	Letter, BCMR, Medical Consultant, dated 
				18 Feb 04.
	Exhibit D.	Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 5 Mar 04.