RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2004-00608
		INDEX NUMBER:  110.00

		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His narrative reason for separation and Reenlistment Eligibility (RE) code be changed so that he can join the Navy Reserve.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He was under a lot of stress and had a difficult time staying focused during basic training after learning his mother had cancer.

He had a thorough psychological evaluation and was found mentally sound to enter the Navy Reserve.  The Navy Bureau of Medicine approved him to join the military.

In support of his appeal, he provided a personal statement, a copy of his DD Form 214, a psychological examination dated 25 Sep 03, a letter of support from the Naval and Marine Corps Reserve Center, Spokane, and copies of enlistment medical examinations for the Army and Navy.

Applicant’s complete submission is attached at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

Applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force on 23 Mar 00, for a period of six years as an airman basic.

In applicant’s first week of basic military training, he sought counseling because he was experiencing symptoms of sadness, impaired concentration, insomnia, diminished appetite and low energy.  During counseling he disclosed a history of bipolar disorder since age 12, difficulty with anger control, and that he was treated with lithium until age 17.  

A mental health evaluation dated 29 Mar 00, confirmed his past history of Bipolar Disorder and recommended the member be processed for expeditious administrative separation.  

On 5 Apr 00, the applicant was notified by his commander that he was recommending he be discharged for a condition that interfered with military service, specifically for mental disorders.  The applicant acknowledged receipt of the notification and waived his option to consult legal counsel and submit statements on his own behalf.

On 10 Apr 00, applicant received an uncharacterized entry-level separation, by reason of “Personality Disorder,” and was issued an RE Code of 2C (involuntarily separated with an uncharacterized entry level separation).  Applicant served 18 days on active duty.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The Chief Medical Consultant, AFBCMR, recommends the application be denied.  The applicant was administratively discharged with an entry level separation after disclosing a history of Bipolar Disorder for several years prior to entering active duty.  The record clearly establishes the applicant was medically disqualified for military service based on his mental health history and treatment.  Although the applicant is presently doing well as indicated by a recent psychological evaluation, his history of mental illness is disqualifying for entry into the Air Force.

Telephonic communication with the Naval Bureau of Medicine and Surgery established they would not have granted a waiver had they known about his pre-service diagnosis.  

On the applicant’s DD Form 214, the narrative reason for discharge is listed as personality disorder even though the applicant was not diagnosed with a personality disorder.  The Department of Defense (DoD) uses the term “personality disorder” administratively on the DD Form 214 to include all unsuiting character and behavior disorders including Adjustment, Personality, Impulse Control Disorders, and mental disorders that are not the purview of the disability evaluation system (i.e. history of mental illness existing prior to service disqualifying for entry and continued service).  This term may be confusing because the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders uses the term “personality disorder” in a specific, defined manner to classify specific disorders of personality that do not include Bipolar Disorder.  

The Medical Consultant further states since the applicant was not diagnosed with a personality disorder, his DD Form 214 is administratively correct and as accurately as possible identifies the basis for discharge as due to a mental condition.  The applicant’s history of mental illness disqualifies him for entry into military service and his reenlistment code should not be changed.

A complete copy of the Air Force evaluation is attached at Exhibit C.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

On 31 Aug 04, 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.  (Exhibit D)

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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 review of the applicant’s complete submission, we found no evidence to indicate his discharge from the Air Force was inappropriate or unjust.  Applicant contends he was under a lot of stress during basic training and had difficulty staying focused after learning his mother had cancer, and that he has since had a thorough psychological evaluation and was found mentally sound to enter the Navy.  However, we do not find these arguments, in and of themselves, sufficiently persuasive to override the rationale expressed by the BCMR Medical Consultant.  Although the applicant is presently doing well as indicated by a recent psychological evaluation, his history of mental illness disqualifies him from entry into military service.  Therefore, we agree with the findings and recommendation of the BCMR 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 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‑2004-00608 in Executive Session on 2 November 2004, under the provisions of AFI 36‑2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

    Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 15 Mar 04, w/atchs.
    Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
    Exhibit C.  Letter, AFBCMR Medical Consultant, dated 19 Aug 04.
    Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 31 Aug 04.