RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2006-01784
		INDEX CODE:  110.00

		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

MANDATORY CASE COMPLETION DATE:  17 DEC 07

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His separation code of “JFM” be changed to allow him to reenlist in the service.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

His major depressive disorder was not pre-existing prior to his enlistment in the Air Force.

In support of his request, the applicant provided documents extracted from his military personnel records.

His complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

On 25 March 2003, the applicant entered active duty and served in the security forces.

A Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) convened on 12 April 2005 and referred his case to an Informal Physical Evaluation Board (IPEB) with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder.  On 9 May 2005, the IPEB found him unfit for further military service based on a diagnosis of major depressive disorder, resolved.  The IPEB recommended that he be discharged.  The applicant agreed with the findings and recommended disposition of the IPEB.  The Office of the Secretary of the Air Force directed that he be discharged effective 27 June 2005.  He served two years, three months, and three days on active duty.  He received a separation code of JFM – disability, existed prior to service – PEB; and was assigned an RE code of 2Q – personnel medically retired or discharged.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPPD recommends denial.  DPPD states the IPEB found the applicant unfit for continued service based on a major depressive disorder that had not been permanently aggravated through military service.  The separation code JFM on the DD Form 214 is the correct code for a member who was separated due to a disability that existed prior to service.

The DPPD complete evaluation is at Exhibit C.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The applicant reviewed the evaluation and states he desires his separation code changed to reenlist in the service.  The preponderance of evidence does in fact illustrate with dates and military documents that the medical condition in question did not exist prior to service.  No symptoms were reported prior to service.  The Medical Board Report, dated 2 April 2005[sic] requests continued active duty due to a resolved condition that incurred while entitled to basic pay.

The Applicant’s complete response, with attachment, is at Exhibit E.

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ADDITIONAL AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The BCMR Medical Consultant recommends denial.  The BCMR Medical Consultant states the applicant contends he did not experience depression prior to entering the service, but the only medical documentation available for review clearly reports a history of depressive symptoms for several years prior to entering military service.  While the episode of depression leading to discharge began while on active duty, the reported pre-service history of depressive symptoms is consistent with recurrent depressive disorder and is reinforced by the strong family history of depression.  The fact that the applicant is presently doing well is consistent with the clinical pattern of recurrent depression with remissions and relapses and also indicates lack of permanent service aggravation.  Action and disposition in this case are proper and equitable reflecting compliance with Air Force directives that implement the law.

The BCMR Medical Consultant’s complete evaluation is at Exhibit F.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

On 28 September 2006, the evaluation was forwarded to the applicant for review and comment within 30 days (Exhibit G).  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 warranting his separation code be changed.  After reviewing the evidence of record, it is our opinion that the applicant’s separation from the Air Force was in accordance with Air Force policy in effect at the time, which implements the law.  His contentions are duly noted; however, the comments provided by the Air Force and the BCMR Medical Consultant adequately address his concerns.  Therefore, we adopt their rationale as the basis for our determination that the applicant has not been the victim of either an error or injustice.  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.

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THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT:

The applicant be notified the evidence presented did not demonstrate the existence of an error or an injustice; the application was denied without a personal appearance; and 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 this application in Executive Session on 28 November 2006, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence pertaining to AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2006-01784 was considered:

   Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 19 Jun 06, w/atchs.
   Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
   Exhibit C.  Letter, AFPC/DPPD, dated 27 Jun 06.
   Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 14 Jul 06.
   Exhibit E.  Letter, Applicant, dated 21 Jul 06, w/atch.
   Exhibit F.  Letter, AFBCMR Medical Consultant, dated 2 Sep 06.
   Exhibit G.  Letter, AFBCMR, dated 28 Sep 06.