RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2004-00620
		INDEX CODE:  112.00

		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His Reenlistment Eligibility (RE) code be upgraded.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He believes when he was diagnosed with an Adjustment Disorder with Mixed Anxiety and Depressed Mood, his family situation at that time was not considered.  At the time of his enlistment he left his wife six months pregnant with medical and emotional problems due to insurance coverage problems.  He was not ready for basic training at that time; however, he is now.  His family is now medically and monetarily stable and he is physically and mentally ready to finish what he started, to serve his country.

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

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

On 6 February 2001, the applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force in the grade of airman basic for a period of six years.

Lackland AFB Form 105A, Basic Training Record, indicated on 10 February 2001, the applicant was transported to the Wilford Hall Medical Center (WHMC) due to suicidal ideations.  After counseling the applicant for refusing to train, he had an emotional breakdown and stated, “I’ll do whatever it takes to get out of here to include harming myself.” 

On 12 February 2001, a mental health evaluation indicated the applicant was solely motivated for discharge.  Even though he had considerable financial debts, lacked significant vocational training, was a father of two children, and was being afforded a $13,000.00 sign-up bonus by the Air Force, the applicant said he could not adjust to Basic Military Training (BMT) and feared his wife would leave him if he was to remain on active duty.  The applicant was evidencing a fairly severe adjustment reaction to the rigors of BMT.  There was considerable depression and anxiety, diminished concentration, and significant sleeping and eating disturbances.  During that evaluation, the applicant wept, prayed to God to be discharged, and related he would “do whatever it takes to go home.”  The applicant was not considered to be suicidal or homicidal, but he was considered to be impulsive, exercised poor judgment, and was prone to act-out his frustrations.  Retention on active duty would only result in the applicant becoming an increasing administrative and disciplinary problem for the Air Force.  The diagnoses were Axis I:  Adjustment Disorder with Mixed Anxiety and Depressed Mood; Axis II:  Deferred; Axis III:  Note Medical Record.  The applicant’s diagnoses did not meet retention standards for continued military service.  His ability to function in the military was significantly impaired.  The applicant was motivated for separation from the military.  The recommendation to the commanding officer indicated the applicant should be processed for expeditious administrative separation.  The applicant did not have a severe mental disorder and was not considered mentally disordered.  However, he manifested a long-standing disorder of character, behavior, and adaptability that was of such severity so as to preclude adequate military service.  Although he was not at a significant risk for suicide or homicide, due to his lifelong pattern of maladaptive responses to personal and work related stressors, he could become dangerous to himself or others in the future.  The applicant was disqualified for the Personnel Reliability Program (PRP), security clearance, and weapons handling.  It was further recommended he attend the 319 TRS stress management program while awaiting separation.

On 27 February 2001, the applicant was notified of his commander's intent to initiate discharge action against him for Mental Disorders.  The commander indicated the reason for the recommended action was the applicant being diagnosed by the Department of Mental Health as having a mental disorder as contained in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV).  The Department of Mental Health had determined this condition interfered with duty performance and conduct and was severe enough that his ability to function in the military was significantly impaired.  The specific diagnosis was DSM-IV; Axis I - Adjustment Disorder with Mixed Anxiety and Depressed Mood; Axis II - Deferred; Axis III - Note Medical Record.

The commander advised the applicant of his right to consult legal counsel, to submit statements in his own behalf, or waive his rights after consulting with counsel.

In his recommendation for discharge, the commander indicated he was recommending the applicant be discharged with an entry-level separation.

The applicant waived his option to consult with counsel and to submit statements in his own behalf.

On 1 March 2001, the Assistant Staff Judge Advocate recommended the applicant be discharged under the provisions of AFI 36-3208, Chapter 5, Section B, Paragraph 5.11, Conditions that Interfere with Military Service, specifically Paragraph 5.11.1, under Mental Disorders with an entry level separation.

On 1 March 2001, the discharge authority approved the applicant’s discharge.

On 6 March 2001, the applicant was discharged in the grade of airman.  He received an entry-level separation with uncharacterized service under the provisions of AFI 36-3208 (Personality Disorder).  He served one month and one day of total active duty service.  He received an RE code of 2C - Involuntarily separated with an honorable discharge; or entry-level separation without characterization of service.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The BCMR Medical Consultant indicated the applicant developed symptoms of depressed mood with suicidal ideation and refused to continue training on day four of basic military training.  He was diagnosed as “Adjustment Disorder with Mixed Anxiety and Depressed Mood” and was administratively discharged for this unsuiting condition with an entry-level separation.

A normal mental health exam at this time does not change the history of inability to cope with the stresses of military training.  The fact that he is functioning well at this time at home confirms his diagnosis of “Adjustment Disorder,” however it does not predict that he will respond well to the stresses of military operations, deployment, or combat when he is separated from his familiar surroundings and usual support system of family and friends.  His past experience is predictive of an increased risk for recurrence of “Adjustment Disorder” if reexposed to the rigors of military training and service and the reenlistment code should not be changed.

On the applicant’s DD Form 214 - Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, the narrative reason for discharge is listed as personality disorder even though the applicant was not diagnosed with a personality disorder.  The DoD uses the term personality disorder administratively to include all unsuiting character and behavior disorders including Adjustment Disorder, Personality Disorders, and Impulse Control Disorders.  This term is 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 Adjustment Disorder or impulse control disorder.  Prior regulations used the more inclusive and less confusing “character and behavior disorder.”

Since the applicant was not diagnosed with a personality disorder and mental health records do not identify maladaptive personality traits suggestive of a personality disorder, it is inaccurate to list the narrative reason as personality disorder, even though administratively it is correct.  Although action and disposition in this case are proper and equitable reflecting compliance with Air Force directives that implement the law, change of the narrative reason for discharge to Secretarial Authority is recommended.  The reenlistment code should not be changed.

The evaluation is at Exhibit C.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

On 18 August 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.	Sufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of an error or injustice warranting a change in the narrative reason for separation.  After reviewing the applicant’s submission and the evidence of record, we are persuaded that some relief is warranted.  We note the discharge action taken against the applicant was in accordance with the applicable instruction.  However, after reviewing the applicant’s request and the evidence of record, we find the narrative reason for his separation; i.e., personality disorder, to be inaccurate.  The BCMR Medical Consultant states the applicant was not diagnosed with a personality disorder and mental health records do not identify maladaptive personality traits suggestive of a personality disorder, it is inaccurate to list the narrative reason as personality disorder, even though administratively it is correct.  We are in complete agreement with the BCMR Medical Consultant and recommend the applicant’s narrative reason for separation be changed to Secretarial Authority.  Therefore, in view of the above findings and in an effort to offset any possibility of an injustice, we recommend the applicant’s records be corrected to the extent indicated below.

4.	Insufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of an error or injustice that would warrant a change to the applicant’s RE code.  After a thorough review of the evidence of record and the applicant’s submission, it is our opinion that given the circumstances surrounding his separation from the Air Force, the RE code assigned was proper and in compliance with the appropriate directives.  The applicant has not provided any evidence which would lead us to believe otherwise.  The BCMR Medical Consultant indicates the applicant developed symptoms of depressed mood with suicidal ideation and refused to continue training on day four of basic military training.  He was diagnosed as having an Adjustment Disorder with Mixed Anxiety and Depressed Mood and was administratively discharged.  As the Medical Consultant states, a normal mental health exam at this time does not change the history of inability to cope with the stresses of military training.  The fact that he is functioning well at this time at home appears to confirm his diagnosis of Adjustment Disorder, however it does not predict he will respond well to the stresses of military operations, deployment, or combat when he is separated from his familiar surroundings and usual support system of family and friends.  As noted by the Medical Consultant, his past experience is predictive of an increased risk for recurrence of Adjustment Disorder if re-exposed to the rigors of military training and service.  Therefore, we agree with the Air Force office of primary responsibility and adopt their rational as the basis for our conclusion that he has not been the victim of an error or injustice.  In the absence of persuasive evidence to the contrary, we find no compelling basis to recommend granting the relief sought.

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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 in conjunction with his entry level separation on 6 March 2001, he was issued a Separation Program Designator of “KFF” and a narrative reason of Secretarial Authority rather than Personality Disorder.

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The following members of the Board considered this application in Executive Session on 6 October 2004, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

All members voted to correct the records, as recommended.  The following documentary evidence pertaining to AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2004-00620 was considered:

   Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 23 January 2004, w/atchs.
   Exhibit B.  Military Personnel Records.
   Exhibit C.  Letter, AFBCMR Medical Consultant,
               dated 28 July 2004.
   Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 18 August 2004.

				

AFBCMR BC-2004-00620

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 in conjunction with his entry level separation on 6 March 2001, he was issued a Separation Program Designator of “KFF” and a narrative reason of Secretarial Authority rather than Personality Disorder.