RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2005-00080
		
	XXXXXXX	COUNSEL: 

	XXXXXXX	HEARING DESIRED:  YES

MANDATORY CASE COMPLETION DATE: 9 JULY 2006

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His narrative reason for separation be changed from “Disability, Existed Prior to Service” to a medical discharge.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

There is "no record" of any mental illness in his family history or his until October 2003 and it became progressively severe. Narrative reason for separation should be changed to "medical" and the separation code should be changed.

In support of his application, applicant submits a copy of DD Form 293, Application for the Review of Discharge or Dismissal From the Armed Forces or the United States, personal letter, VA Form 21-4138, Statement of Support of Claim, and a letter from SAF/MRBR. 

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

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant entered active duty 9 March 2002, at age 25, completed training and served as a communication computer systems operations apprentice. Prior to entering the service the applicant worked as a postal clerk from October 1997 to February 1999, then as a truck driver for three different employers until becoming unemployed in December 2000 (and apparently remaining so until entering active duty). After completion of training, he was assigned to Kadena Air Base, Japan. His performance report closing 18 November 2003 was an overall five report reflecting excellent duty performance and commenting the applicant was "One of the hardest working airmen I have ever worked with " and recommended below the zone promotion. 

Review of service medical records shows that during 2003 the applicant sought care for a variety of physical complaints without clear medical cause. A May 2003 (14 months after entry) medical record entry noted anxiety symptoms. Beginning in late summer 2003 the applicant presented on a frequent basis for various physical complaints for which no cause or diagnosis could be identified after thorough evaluation. In October 2003 he was noted to have depressed mood and referred for mental health evaluation leading to subsequent diagnosis and treatment for psychotic disorder not otherwise specified (psychiatrist suspected evolving schizophrenia) and referral for Medical Evaluation Board (MEB). The 23 October 2003 internal medicine evaluation for chest pain recorded a list of symptoms including migratory burning discomfort of the chest, arms and legs; headaches, visual changes, sleep disturbance, anhedonia, decreased energy, and others. The internist stated, "Symptoms > one year (since tech school)." The MEB narrative summary dated  29 January 2004 reported a history of symptoms dating to basic training stating he had "not been feeling good since basic training" including feeling distorted and his tongue and eyes would move by themselves non-voluntarily.

In January 2004, a Medical Evaluation Board was initiated leading to administrative discharge for psychotic disorder not otherwise specified determined to have existed prior to service without permanent service aggravation.

On 18 June 2004, the applicant was administratively separated under the provision of AFI 36-3212, Physical Evaluation for Retention, Retirement, and Separation, with an honorable discharge and a narrative reason for separation of disability, existed prior to service. He served a total of 2 years and 3 months of total active service.

The applicant filed a claim with the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) for service connected disability benefits and is presently receiving service connected disability compensation for schizophrenia, paranoid type, rated 50 percent.  

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The BCMR Medical Consultant is of the opinion that no change in the records is warranted and states based on the preponderance of evidence of the record and accepted medical principles, the reviewer concurs with the findings and recommendations of the IPEB. Action and disposition in this case are proper and equitable reflecting compliance with Air Force directives that implement the law.

The applicant was administratively discharged due to a disability, psychotic disorder not otherwise specified, that was determined to have existed prior to service and was not permanently aggravated by service beyond the natural progression of the disease. The applicant, determined to be competent for pay and records by his psychiatrist, accepted the recommendations of the Informal Physical Evaluation Board after counseling by the Physical Evaluation Board Liaison Officer. He now requests change of records to show "medical separation" not further specified contending his condition did not exist prior to entering military service. 

The reviewer concludes that the preponderance of the evidence of the record supports the findings of the IPEB. The symptoms described as occurring during basic training, feeling distorted with involuntary eye and tongue movement, are consistent with the applicant's schizophrenia and not explainable by other conditions. The presence of these symptoms while in basic training combined with evidence of job instability prior to entry to active duty are consisted with a prolonged phase of manifestation extending prior to entry into military service. The indolent progression of the applicant's symptoms is completely consistent with the expected progression of the applicant's disease that would occur regardless of military service. There was nothing unique about military service that would lastingly aggravate the natural progression of this disease. The excellent duty performance demonstrated by the applicant is not inconsistent with his disease. 

BCMR Medical Consultant's complete 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 6 June 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 not timely filed; however, it is in the interest of justice to excuse the failure to timely file.

3.  Insufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of an error or injustice warranting a change in his narrative reason for separation.  Applicant’s contentions are duly noted; however, we agree with the opinions and recommendation of the BCMR Medical Consultant and adopt his rationale as the basis for our conclusion that the applicant has not been the victim of an error or injustice.  Shortly after entering active duty, the applicant began experiencing anxiety symptoms. He underwent several medical evaluations and was diagnosed with a psychotic disorder not otherwise specified that was determined to have existed prior to service and was not permanently aggravated by service beyond the natural progression of the disease.  The applicant’s case was processed through the medical disability evaluation system and it was determined the applicant’s condition rendered him unfit for continued military service. Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no compelling basis to recommend granting the relief sought in this application

4.  The applicant's case is adequately documented and it has not been shown that a personal appearance with or without counsel will materially add to our understanding of the issues involved.  Therefore, the request for a hearing is not favorably considered.

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THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT:

The applicant be notified that the evidence presented did not demonstrate the existence of a 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 Docket Number BC-BC-2005-00080 in Executive Session on 16 May 2006, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

          Chair
			Member
			Member

The following documentary evidence was considered:

    Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 14 Jan 04, w/atchs.
    Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
    Exhibit C.  Letter, BCMR Medical Consultant, dated 7 Apr 06.
    Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 10 Apr 06.

								
								Chair