RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2004-00095
		INDEX CODE:  110.02

		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

_________________________________________________________________

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His narrative reason for separation of “Personality Disorder” be changed.

_________________________________________________________________

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

The reason for his separation is preventing him from obtaining employment in security and law enforcement.

In support of his appeal, the applicant provided a copy of his separation document.

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

_________________________________________________________________

STATEMENT OF FACTS:

Applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force on 25 Sep 96 for a period of four years in the grade of airman basic.

Applicant’s available military personnel records indicate he was seen by the Mental Health Clinic and diagnosed with an adjustment disorder with anxiety.

On 9 Jul 01, an MEB convened and established diagnoses of avoidant personality disorder and social phobia.  The MEB recommended the applicant’s case be referred to an Informal Physical Evaluation Board (IPEB).

On 13 Aug 01, an IPEB convened and established diagnoses of social phobia and avoidant personality disorder.  The IPEB recommended the applicant be returned to duty and processed under the provisions of AFI 36-3208, Administrative Separation of Airmen, paragraph 5.11.

On 3 Dec 01, the applicant was honorably discharged under the provisions of AFI 36-3208 (Personality Disorder).  He was credited with five years, two months, and eight days of active service.

_________________________________________________________________

AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The Medical Consultant recommended denial noting the applicant was discharged as a result of being diagnosed with an avoidant personality disorder.  An extensive mental health evaluation supported the diagnosis and the MEB which diagnosed the applicant with a social phobia and an avoidant personality disorder concluded the personality disorder was the principle diagnosis interfering with occupational functioning.  

The Medical Consultant indicated that a personality disorder is not a disease, but a lifelong pattern of maladjustment in an individual’s personality structure which is not medically disqualifying or unfitting but may render the individual unsuitable for further military service and may be cause for administrative action by an individual’s unit commander due to unsuitability.  Personality disorders frequently serve as the predominant cause/risk factor for concomitant mental health disorders.  Occurring alone, the applicant’s diagnosis of social phobia may have been unfitting for continued duty, warranting a disability discharge.  However, in this case, the IPEB appropriately concluded the applicant’s social phobia did not render him unfit, but rather the underlying personality disorder was the principle cause for his occupational difficulties and unsuitability for continued military service.  A social phobia of mild degree is typically amenable to therapy unless complicated by the presence of a personality disorder as it was in this case.  In addition to an avoidant personality disorder, a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder was briefly considered and subsequently dropped in favor of social phobia by the mental health providers after careful consideration of the applicant’s case with current diagnostic classification criteria.

According to the Medical Consultant, the action and disposition in this case were proper and equitable reflecting compliance with Air Force directives that implement the law.  In his view, no change in the records is warranted.

A complete copy of the Medical Consultant’s evaluation is at Exhibit C.

_________________________________________________________________

APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

Applicant reviewed the advisory opinion and furnished a response questioning the accuracy of the comments made by the Medical Consultant regarding his childhood history which initially prompted a tentative diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder, chronic, delayed onset.  He also reiterated the impact his narrative reason for separation is having on his ability to obtain gainful employment.

Applicant’s complete response is at Exhibit E.

_________________________________________________________________

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 find it insufficient to override the rationale provided by the Medical Consultant.  The evidence of record indicates the applicant was involuntarily discharged as a result of being diagnosed with an avoidant personality disorder.  After reviewing the facts and circumstances of this case, we find no evidence that would lead us to believe the applicant's narrative reason for separation was improper or contrary to the governing directives under which it was effected.  In view of the above, and in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we adopt the Medical Consultant’s rationale and conclude that no basis exists upon which to recommend granting the relief sought in this application.

_________________________________________________________________

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.

_________________________________________________________________

The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2004-00095 in Executive Session on 22 Jul 04, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:
The following documentary evidence was considered:

    Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 6 Jan 04, w/atch.
    Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
    Exhibit C.  Letter, Medical Consultant, dated 7 Jun 04.
    Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 15 Jun 04.
    Exhibit E.  Letter, applicant, undated.

                                   
                                   Panel Chair