RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2004-00201
		INDEX CODE:  110.00

		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

Her records be changed to show she was discharged for medical reasons, rather than administratively.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

She developed depression while on active duty and should have been disability discharged, not administratively discharged.  The narrative reason for discharge (personality disorder) on her DD Form 214 has prevented her from obtaining employment with state government and large employers.

In support of the appeal, applicant submits a personal statement, a copy of her DD Form 293, a copy of her DD Form 214, and a copy of documentation from a 4-7 January 2004 hospitalization for major depressive disorder with psychosis (manifested by auditory hallucinations).

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 24 July 1997 for a period of four years.

A command-directed mental health evaluation resulted in a recommendation for administrative separation due to unsuitability.  The mental health report, dated 16 September 1998, rendered diagnoses of Adjustment Disorder with depressed mood and Narcissistic Personality Disorder (principle diagnosis).

On 7 October 1998, the applicant’s commander notified the applicant he was recommending her discharge from the United States Air Force for Mental Disorders.  The applicant was further advised an honorable discharge would be recommended.  The applicant acknowledged receipt of the notification and her understanding of her rights.  On 7 October 1998, the applicant submitted a statement indicating she waived her right to consult with counsel and her right to submit statements in her own behalf.  In a legal review of the discharge case file, undated, the Staff Judge Advocate found the case file legally sufficient and recommended the letter directing applicant be discharged from the Air Force with an honorable discharge without probation and rehabilitation be signed.  On 22 October 1998, 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 26 October 1998 under the provisions of AFI 36-3208, because of a personality disorder.  She served one year, three months and three days on active duty.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The BCMR Medical Consultant states the applicant developed symptoms of depressed mood in a setting of multiple stressors, including newly in the Air Force in a job she did not like, financial difficulties (compounded by living off-base, unemployed husband), new marriage, recent arrival of a second child and assignment in England.  Evaluation by mental health rendered diagnoses of Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood and Narcissistic Personality Disorder.  The Personality Disorder diagnosis was determined to be the principle diagnosis and the main underlying reason the applicant was unable to cope with the numerous stressors and developed the depressed mood.  Evidence of the record shows that the applicant’s depressed mood resolved by the time of her separation, consistent with her diagnosis of Adjustment Disorder.  However, a Personality Disorder and the attendant predisposition for recurrent problems do not resolve.  Following discharge, the applicant experienced recurrent symptoms of depression and developed Major Depressive Disorder with psychosis in January 2004, five years after her discharge.

Under Title 10, only disabilities that cause the termination of military service can be rated and compensated, and then only for the degree of impairment at the time of separation and not based on future events.  At the time of her discharge, the applicant did not manifest mental illness that warranted referral into the disability evaluation system.  Personality Disorder and Adjustment Disorder are “unsuiting” conditions that are not ratable or compensable under the rules of the disability system.  Even if the applicant’s Adjustment Disorder in retrospect represented manifestation of her subsequent Major Depressive Disorder, it was not sufficiently severe enough to warrant diagnosis as an unfitting condition warranting disability evaluation.

The records also indicate that the applicant experienced symptoms of depression with suicidal thinking and behaviors prior to entering service.  The mental health clinic entry dated 9 September 1998 recorded a history of a pre-service suicide attempt with Valium, and the 8 January 2004 DVA psychiatry examination recorded a history of symptoms going back 16 years.  Under the rules of the DoD disability system, existing prior to service conditions are not ratable or compensable unless there has been permanent service aggravation beyond the nature course of the condition.  There is no evidence that service permanently aggravated her condition, and at the time of separation, the applicant was feeling well in response to the relief of some of the stressors causing her depressed mood.

Action and disposition in this care 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 attached at Exhibit C.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

On 27 September 2004, a copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant for review and response within 30 days.  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.  We took notice of the applicant's complete submission in judging the merits of the case; however, we agree with the opinions and recommendation of the BCMR Medical Consultant and adopt his rationale as the basis for the 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 this application in Executive Session on 2 December 2004, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:
BC200400201
The following documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit A.	DD Form 149, dated 28 Jan 04, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.	Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.	Letter, BCMR Medical Consultant, dated 23 Sep 04.
	Exhibit D.	Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 14 Oct 04.

									Vice Chair