RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2004-00930
		INDEX CODE:  110.02
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx	COUNSEL: NONE

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx	HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

Her reenlistment eligibility (RE) code be changed to one that would allow her to reenlist.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

She used her own resources to deal with stress and others assumed she was not trying to resolve her personal problems.

In support of her request, the applicant submits background information relating to her discharge.

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

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force as an airman basic on 29 March 2001, for a term of 4 years.  

On 6 March 2003, the applicant was notified by her commander that he was recommending that she be discharged from the Air Force for a condition that interfered with military service, specifically for mental disorders.  The basis for the action was that on 23 December 2002, she was diagnosed with an adjustment disorder with depressed mood that was severe enough that her ability to function effectively in the military was significantly impaired.  The evaluator recommended an administrative separation in accordance with AFI 36-3208, Administrative Separation of Airmen.

She was advised of her rights in this matter, and after consulting with counsel elected to submit statements on her own behalf.  The base legal office reviewed the case and found it legally sufficient.  The discharge authority approved the discharge for a mental disorder with an honorable discharge.  On 26 March 2003, she was administratively discharged with an honorable discharge, under the provisions of AFI 36-3208, Administrative Separation of Airmen, (mental disorder).  She received an RE code of “2C”.  She served 1 year, 9 months and 25 days total active service.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The BCMR Medical Consultant recommends the narrative reason for discharge be changed to Secretarial Authority, but states that no change to the RE code is warranted.  

The applicant developed symptoms of depressed mood with thoughts of self-harm that was diagnosed as adjustment disorder with depressed mood and was administratively discharged for this unsuiting condition.

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.  One of the key features of Adjustment Disorder is that the condition typically resolves with relief of the stressors.  Individuals who develop Adjustment Disorder due to the stress of the routine rigors of military service with or without concomitant personal issues are not suited for military service and are subject to administrative discharge by their commander.

The applicant also had a history of similar symptoms prior to service indicating a recurrent problem with an ability to cope with stress.  The fact that she is functioning well at this time at home confirms her diagnosis of adjustment disorder.  However, it does not predict that she will respond well to the stresses of military operations, deployment, or combat when she is separated from her familiar surroundings and usual support system of family and friends.  Her past experience is predictive of an increased risk for recurrence of symptoms of adjustment disorder if re-exposed to the rigors of military training and service and the RE code should not be changed.

On the applicant’s DD 214, the narrative reason for discharge is listed as mental disorder or (personality disorder) even though the applicant was not diagnosed with a personality or mental 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 of Impulse Control Disorder.  

Since the applicant was not diagnosed with a personality disorder and was further not noted to demonstrate maladaptive traits suggesting of a personality disorder, it is inaccurate to list the narrative reason as personality or mental disorder, even though administratively it is correct.  

The BCMR Medical Consultant’s evaluation is at Exhibit C.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 18 Nov 04, for review and comment within 30 days.  As of this date, this office has received no response.

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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 an error or injustice in regard to her request that her reenlistment eligibility (RE) code be changed.  After a thorough review of the documentation provided in support of her appeal and the evidence of record, it is our opinion that given the circumstances surrounding her separation from the Air Force, the RE code assigned to the applicant was proper and in compliance with the appropriate directives.  Applicant has not provided any evidence, which would lead us to believe otherwise.  Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no compelling basis to recommend a change in her RE code.

4.  Notwithstanding the aforementioned, we note that the BCMR Medical Consultant has indicated that the narrative reason for her separation, Mental Disorder, is inappropriate under the circumstances surrounding the decision to separate her from the Air Force.  We agree with the BCMR Medical Consultant in this matter and believe that it would be an injustice for her to continue to suffer the adverse effects of such characterization.  Accordingly, we recommend that her 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 26 March 2003, she was separated under the provisions of AFI 36-3208, paragraph 1.2 (Secretarial Authority), with a separation code of “JFF.”

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The following members of the Board considered Docket Number BC-2004-00930 in Executive Session on 13 January 2005, 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 7 Apr 04, w/atch.
	Exhibit B.	Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.	Letter, BCMR Medical Consultant, dated 15 Nov 04.
	Exhibit D.	Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 18 Nov 04.

	

AFBCMR BC-2004-00930	

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 APPLICANT, be corrected to show that on 26 March 2003, she was separated under the provisions of AFI 36-3208, paragraph 1.2 (Secretarial Authority), with a separation code of “JFF”.