RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2004-01852
				INDEX CODE:  110.00
				COUNSEL:  NONE

				HEARING DESIRED:  NOT INDICATED

MANDATORY CASE COMPLETION DATE:  13 DEC 05

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His reenlistment eligibility (RE) code “4C” be changed to allow him to reenlist in the Air Force.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

His medical condition was misdiagnosed and he has been cleared by civilian doctors.

Applicant's complete submission is attached at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force (RegAF) on 25 September 2001, as an airman basic (AB) for a period of six years.

During Basic Military Training (BMT) the applicant presented to the medical clinic with complaints of shortness of breath and wheezing.

On 9 November 2001, the applicant was seen in the medical clinic for a determination of asthma.  The applicant was diagnosed with Vocal Cord Dysfunction and a recommendation for him to be administratively separated.  During this medical visit the applicant informed the medical providers that he was informed as child that he had asthma and was prescribed inhalers.  The applicant further stated he did not inform the personnel at the Military Enlistment Processing Station (MEPS) of his medical history.

A 25 October 2001 memorandum from the Behavioral Analysis Service (BAS) indicated the applicant underwent a Mental Health Evaluation by the BAS which diagnosed him with Adjustment Disorder with depressed mood.  During the evaluation the applicant stated the training reminded him of a past hospitalization as a child for depression.  However, they recommended the applicant be returned to training.

On 29 October 2001, the applicant underwent a Mental Health Evaluation and was diagnosed with Adjustment Disorder with depressed mood.  The applicant stated during the evaluation that he could not handle the rigors of BMT and wanted to be discharged.  The applicant further stated he did not report his medical history to the recruiter because he needed a job.  The evaluation further stated given the applicant’s symptoms, his past history of clinical depression and treatment with anti-depressant medication, his psychiatric hospitalization and his threatening suicide at age 11, it seemed it would be in the best interest of all concerned to separate the applicant from the Air Force.

On 15 November 2001, his commander referred him for an emergency Mental Health Evaluation because he reported he wanted to kill himself.

On 20 November 2001, the applicant was notified of his commander’s intent to recommend him for an entry-level separation for erroneous enlistment for the following reason:

		A medical narrative summary dated, 9 November 2001, found the applicant did not meet the minimum medical standards for enlistment.  Applicant should not have been allowed to join the Air Force because of vocal cord dysfunction.

The commander advised the applicant of his right to consult legal counsel, and if he so desired an appointment would be made upon request, and to submit statements in his own behalf.  He was advised that failure to consult with counsel or submit statements could constitute his waiver of his rights to do so.

On 20 November 2001, the applicant waived his right to consult counsel and to submit a statement.  He also acknowledged if he was discharged he would not be eligible for a disability retirement or severance pay.

On 20 November 2001, the discharge authority approved the applicant be discharged with an entry-level separation.

The applicant was separated with an uncharacterized entry-level separation on 21 November 2001 under the provisions of AFI 36-
3208, Failed Medical/Physical Procurement Standards, in the grade of airman basic and issued an RE code of “4C,” Separated for concealment of juvenile records, minority, failure to meet physical standards for enlistment, failure to attain a 9.0 reading grade level a measured by the Air Force Reading Abilities Test (AFRAT), or void enlistments, under this condition the applicant is ineligible to reenlist in the Air Force.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The Medical Consultant, AFBCMR, states the applicant was administratively discharged due to a disqualifying vocal cord dysfunction which existed prior to service.  He also had a disqualifying pre-service history of depression requiring medication and hospitalization and was further diagnosed with an Adjustment Disorder with depressed mood.  The medical providers determined the applicant’s Adjustment Disorder was so severe that they found him unsuitable for military service.  The Medical Consultant also states the fact that the applicant may be asymptomatic at this time from his vocal cord dysfunction and Adjustment Disorder does not predict whether or not he will respond well to the stresses of military training, operations, deployment, or combat when he is separated from his supportive environment.  The manifestations of vocal cord dysfunction and Adjustment Disorder are not evident when the individual is not under stress.  The applicant’s past experience is predictive of an increased risk for recurrence of debilitating symptoms if he is re-exposed to the rigors of military training and service.  The Medical Consultant further states the reenlistment code the applicant received was appropriately applied in this case.  He recommends the requested relief be denied.

A copy of the Air Force evaluation is attached 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 5 July 2005, for review and response.  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 not timely filed; however, it is in the interest of justice to excuse the failure of timely file.

3.	Insufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of an error or an injustice.  After careful consideration of the circumstances of this case and the evidence provided by the applicant, we are not persuaded the discharge action and the resulting reenlistment code he received were in error or unjust.  Applicant’s contentions are duly noted; however, we agree with the opinion and recommendation of the Medical Consultant and adopt his rationale as the basis for our conclusion that the applicant has not been the victim of an error or an injustice.  Shortly after entering Basic Military Training, the applicant was diagnosed with a medical condition, Vocal Cord Dysfunction, which existed prior to entering military service.  Additionally, he was diagnosed with an Adjustment Disorder with depressed mood and was hospitalized apparently because he threatened suicide.  It was determined these conditions were disqualifying for military service and it was recommended he be administratively separated due to unsuitability.  As noted by the Medical Consultant, the applicant’s medical condition is caused by an abnormal reaction to stress including exercise and psychological stress.  Applicant’s contention that he has been cleared by his civilian physician is noted; however, as noted by the Medical Consultant, his past experience is predictive of an increased risk for recurrence of debilitating symptoms if re-exposed to the rigors of military service.  In other words, the recurrent nature of his medical conditions when under stress make them incompatible with the physical demands of active military service.  Therefore, in view of the above and 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 AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2004-01852 in Executive Session on 17 August 2005 under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence pertaining to AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2005-01852 was considered:

	Exhibit A.	DD Form 149, dated 28 May 04.
	Exhibit B.	Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.	Letter, AFBCMR Medical Consultant, dated
				27 Jun 05.
	Exhibit D.	Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 5 Jul 05.