RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:				DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2004-02578
								INDEX CODE:  112.00
	XXXXXXX					COUNSEL:  NONE

	XXXXXXX					HEARING DESIRED:  NO

MANDATORY CASE COMPLETION DATE:  22 Feb 06

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

The narrative reason for his discharge and Reenlistment Eligibility (RE) code be changed to allow him to enter the Air Force.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He does not have a mental disorder and is fit to be in the Air Force.

Applicant’s compete submission is at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant contracted his enlistment with the Regular Air Force on 31 May 2000.  On 27 June 2000, he received notification that he was being recommended for discharge for a condition that interfered with military service, specifically for a mental disorder.  The commander indicated that his basis for the action was that applicant had been diagnosed as having a mental disorder that interfered with his duty performance and conduct, which was severe enough that his ability to function in the military was significantly impaired. He received an entry level separation on 5 July 2000, under the provisions of AFI 36-3208 (Personality Disorder), without characterization of service and was issued an RE code of 2C (involuntarily separated with an honorable discharge or entry level separation without characterization of service).  He completed a total of 1 month and 5 days and was serving in the grade of airman first class (E-3) at the time of discharge.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The BCMR Medical Consultant recommends the narrative reason for the applicant’s discharge be changed to Secretarial Authority and recommends the RE code not be changed.  The BCMR Medical Consultant states, in part, that the Department of Defense uses the term “personality disorder” administratively on the DD Form 214 to include all unsuiting character and behavior disorders including adjustment disorder, personality disorder, and impulse control disorders.  Since the applicant was not specifically diagnosed with a personality disorder and had not demonstrated maladaptive traits or misconduct suggestive of a personality disorder, it is inaccurate to list the narrative reason for his separation as personality disorder, even though administratively it is correct.  Applicant’s past experience is predictive of an increased risk for recurrence of adjustment disorder if re-exposed to the rigors of military training/service and his RE code should not be changed.

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

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

A complete copy of the evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 10 June 2005 for review and comment within 30 days.  However, 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 to timely file.

3.  Sufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of error or injustice to warrant changing the narrative reason for the applicant’s separation.  In this respect, it appears the action and disposition in the applicant’s case were proper.  However, since he was not specifically diagnosed with a personality disorder and had not demonstrated maladaptive traits or misconduct suggestive of a personality disorder, the BCMR Medical Consultant opines that it is inaccurate to list the narrative reason for his separation as personality disorder, even though administratively it is correct.  In view of this, we believe it is not proper to apply an erroneous label to an individual because of a recognized administrative shortfall.  In order to correct the injustice of improperly labeling the applicant’s disorder, the BCMR Medical Consultant recommends that his reason for discharge be changed to “Secretarial Authority.”  We agree.  Therefore, we recommend his records be corrected to the extent indicated below.

4.  Insufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of error or injustice to warrant upgrading the applicant’s RE code.  In this respect, we note that applicant’s discharge appears to be in compliance with the governing Air Force Instruction in effect at the time of his separation and that he was afforded all the rights to which entitled.  Although the diagnosis of personality disorder may have been questionable, there is no doubt he manifested an adjustment disorder.  While he submits evidence of excellent occupational functioning since his discharge, it does not predict that he would respond well to the stresses of military operations, deployment, or combat when separated from his familiar surroundings and usual support system of family and friends.  In view of the foregoing, and in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no compelling basis to upgrade his RE code.

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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 5 July 2000, he received an entry level separation under the provisions of AFI 36-3208, paragraph 1-2, (Secretarial Authority), with Separation Program Designator (SPD) Code “JFF.”

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The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2004-02578 in Executive Session on 21 July 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 10 Aug 04, w/atchs.
     Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
     Exhibit C.  Letter, BCMR Medical Consultant, dated 6 Jun 05.
     Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 10 Jun 05.

AFBCMR BC-2004-02578

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 XXXXXXX, XXXXXXX, be corrected to show that on 5 July 2000, he received an entry level separation under the provisions of AFI 36-3208, paragraph 1-2, (Secretarial Authority), with Separation Program Designator (SPD) Code “JFF.”