RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2004-01711
		INDEX CODE:  100.03
	xxxxxxxxxxxxxx	COUNSEL:  NONE

	xxxxxxxxxxxxxx	HEARING DESIRED:  NO

MANDATORY CASE COMPLETION DATE:  30 NOV 2005

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His reenlistment eligible (RE) code be changed to enable him to reenter the military.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He does not have a personality disorder and should not have been discharged.

In support of his appeal he submitted DD Form 293, Application for the Review of Discharge or Dismissal from the Armed Forces of the United States.

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

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force as an airman basic on 6 February 2001, on a guaranteed training enlistment agreement for electrical systems for a term of 4 years.  

On 25 July 2001, the applicant was notified by his commander that he was recommending he be discharged from the Air Force due to a condition that interferes with military service (mental disorder).  The reason for this action was that the applicant was diagnosed by a clinical psychologist as having a specific phobia and adjustment disorder with anxiety.  His disorder was evidenced by his fear of heights and a pattern of normal to low average cognitive functioning and executive system inefficiencies that appeared to interfere with his ability to acquire new information.  

He acknowledged receipt of the notification and after consulting with counsel elected not to submit statements on his own behalf.  The package was reviewed by the attorney advisor and found to be legally sufficient.  

On 30 July 2001, he was administratively discharged under the provisions of AFI 36-3208, Administrative Separation of Airmen, (personality disorder), with an uncharacterized discharge.  He was issued an RE code of 2C “Involuntarily separated with an honorable discharge; or entry level separation without characterization of service”.  He served 5 months and 25 days total active service. 

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The BCMR Medical Consultant recommends changing the narrative reason for separation to Secretarial Authority, but denial of the RE code change request.

On the applicant’s DD 214, 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, impulse control disorders and specific phobias.  This term is confusing because the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders uses the term “personality disorder” in a very specific, defined manner to classify specific disorders of personality that do not include adjustment disorder or specific phobias.

Since the applicant was not diagnosed with 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 warranted.  The RE code should not be changed.

The 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 28 Jan 2005, 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 his request that his reenlistment eligibility (RE) code be changed.  After a thorough review of the documentation provided and the evidence of record, the Board is of the opinion that given the circumstances surrounding his 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 the Board to believe otherwise.  Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, the Board finds no compelling basis to recommend a change in his RE code.

4.  Notwithstanding the aforementioned, we note that the BCMR Medical Consultant has indicated that the narrative reason for his separation, Personality Disorder, is inappropriate under the circumstances surrounding the decision to separate him from the Air Force.  We agree with the BCMR Medical Consultant in this matter and believe that it would be an injustice for him to continue to suffer the adverse effects of such characterization.  Accordingly, we recommend that his 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 30 July 2001, he 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-2004-01711 in Executive Session on 26 April 2005, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

All members voted to correct the record, as recommended.  The following documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit A.	DD Form 149, dated 26 May 04, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.	Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.	Letter, BCMR Medical Consultant, dated 21 Jan 05.
	Exhibit D.	Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 28 Jan 05.

AFBCMR BC-2004-01711	

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 30 July 2001, he was separated under the provisions of AFI 36-3208, paragraph 1.2 (Secretarial Authority), with a separation code of “JFF”.