RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2003-03721
		INDEX CODE:  110.00

		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

The words “Character and Behavior Disorder” be deleted from his narrative reason for separation which reads, (Condition That Interfere with Military Service-not Disability-Character and Behavior Disorder).

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

His medical records and training do not justify the characterization he received.  The airman that typed his discharge papers had a personal grievance against him due to an incident in which he was the policeman in charge.

In support of the appeal, applicant submits a copy of his DD Form 214, five certificates, and a copy of his medical records.

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 12 June 1985 in the grade of airman basic for a period of four years.  He was progressively promoted to the grade of airman on 12 December 1985, and the grade of airman first class on 12 October 1986.  He received three Airman Performance Reports (APRs) closing 11 June 1986, 11 June 1987 and 26 March 1988, in which the overall evaluations were “9,””9,” and “8.”

On 11 April 1988, a Mental Health Evaluation pertaining to the applicant was completed and it was stated that his ability to adequately cope with stress was poor.  Moreover, he was diagnosed as suffering from an adjustment disorder with depressed mood, as well as from an avoidant personality disorder.  Along these lines, the report states that apart from the distress, which the applicant readily acknowledges, there appears to be some characterlogical pattern of social maladjustment with high dependency needs and a general avoidance of social relationships.

On 2 May 1988, the applicant’s commander notified the applicant he was recommending separation from the service because of character and behavior disorder.  The applicant was further advised an honorable discharge would be recommended.  The applicant acknowledged receipt of the notification and his understanding of his rights.  On 10 May 1988, the applicant submitted a statement indicating he did seek counsel and did not wish to submit any statements in his own behalf.  In a legal review of the discharge case file, dated 11 May 1988, the Deputy Staff Judge Advocate assigned to the staff of the discharge authority found the case file legally sufficient and recommended the proposed separation be approved.  On 19 May 1988, the discharge authority approved the recommendation for separation and directed that the applicant be honorably discharged without the offer of probation and rehabilitation.  The applicant was honorably discharged on 20 May 1988 under the provisions of AFR 39-10, paragraph 5-11, because of a character and behavior disorder.  He served 2 years, 11 months and 9 days on active duty.

The Air Force Discharge Review Board (AFDRB) denied applicant’s request for a change of reason for discharge on 10 June 1993.  The AFDRB decision document is at Exhibit B.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The BCMR Medical Consultant states that Adjustment Disorder and Personality Disorder are conditions that may render an individual unsuitable for military service.  Adjustment Disorder is characterized by marked psychological distress in response to identifiable stressors that overcome the individual’s ability to cope and is frequently associated with significant impairment in social and occupational functioning.  The emotional and behavioral responses may be in excess of what would normally be expected given the nature of the stressors.  Manifestations can include depressed mood, anxiety, and disturbances of conduct.  Adjustment Disorder when severe enough is unsuiting for continued military service and cause for administrative discharge.  Personality disorders are lifelong patterns of maladjustment in the individual’s personality structure when are not medically disqualifying or unfitting but may render the individual unsuitable for further military service and may be cause for administrative action by the individual’s unit commander.  Personality disorders are frequently exacerbated by stress and may present with symptoms consistent with Adjustment Disorder.  Action and disposition in this case are proper and equitable reflecting compliance with Air Force directives that implement the law.  The BCMR Medical Consultant is of the opinion that no change in the records is warranted.

A complete copy of the evaluation is at Exhibit C.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

Applicant disagrees with the reason for his discharge.  He does accept the fact that he made some very bad choices in his youth while in the military.  Now that he is an adult and has children of his own he realizes he could have handled some situations differently, but he adamantly disagrees with himself being labeled the way the doctors have portrayed him.  He has been happily married for 17 years with three children and has worked at the same job for the past 11 years.  He attends church and social gatherings; he is a law-abiding citizen and does not avoid people or situations.

He hopes the Board will take into consideration that he was an excellent airman up and until he was discharged and that it was honorable.  He feels that if there were a behavior disorder it would have been evident before 2 years and 11 months had passed.  He does take responsibility for making bad choices and has paid dearly for it.  He just hopes the Board will consider at the very least issuing a new DD Form 214 with the typed words [Character and Behavior Disorder] deleted.

Applicant's complete response, with attachment, 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 not timely filed; however, it is in the interest of justice to excuse the failure to timely file.

3.  Sufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of an injustice warranting a change in the narrative reason for separation.  While the reason for his separation appears to in accordance with the applicable Air Force instruction, we believe, based on his overall record of performance, that the reason for separation appears harsh.  In this regard, we note that the applicant’s evaluation reports reflect outstanding performance.  In addition, we note that the applicant has adjusted to civilian life.  We recognize the adverse impact of the separation applicant received; and, while it may have been appropriate at the time, we believe it would be an injustice for the applicant to continue to suffer its effects.  In view of the above and to remove any possibility of an injustice, we recommend his records be corrected to the extent indicated below.

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THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT:

The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to APPLICANT, be corrected to show that on 9 June 1988, he was honorably discharged under the provisions of AFR 39-10, Directed by Secretary of the Air Force, and issued a Separation Program Designator code of “JFF.”

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The following members of the Board considered this application in Executive Session on 29 July 2004, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

All members voted to correct the records, as recommended.  The following documentary evidence was considered:

   Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 31 Oct 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.  Applicant’s Response, undated.

                                   

AFBCMR BC-2003-03721

MEMORANDUM FOR THE CHIEF OF STAFF

	  Having received and considered the recommendation of the Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records and under the authority of Section 1552, Title 10, United States Code (70A Stat 116), it is directed that:

	The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to, be corrected to show that on 9 June 1988, he was honorably discharged under the provisions of AFR 39-10, Directed by Secretary of the Air Force, and issued a Separation Program Designator code of “JFF.”