RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS
IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2008-01881 INDEX CODE:	100.06, 110.02

COUNSEL:	NONE HEARING DESIRED:	NO

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:
His narrative reason for separation of “Personality Disorder,” be changed to reflect “Administrative Discharge,” in order to allow his reentry into the military.

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:
He thought he was being separated with an administrative discharge. He does not have any psychiatric or psychological conditions as noted in a recent mental health evaluation.

In support of his request, applicant provided a personal statement, his DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, medical records, a psychiatric evaluation, dated 10 Feb 08, and his response to the discharge action, with several letters of recommendation.

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

STATEMENT OF FACTS:
The applicant enlisted in the Air Force on 9 Oct 07. He was progressively promoted to the grade of airman first class.

On 18 Dec 07, the squadron commander notified the applicant that he was recommending his discharge from the Air Force for conditions that interfered with military service, specifically, mental disorders. The applicant was diagnosed by the Department of Mental Health, Wilford Hall Medical Center, as having a mental disorder as contained in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV). The evaluation stated the applicant’s ability to function in a military environment was considered significantly impaired. The specific diagnosis was Axis I: Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood.

On 2 Jan 08, applicant acknowledged receipt of the notification of discharge and after consulting with legal counsel, submitted statements in his own behalf.

The Air Education and Training Command Chief Staff Judge Advocate found the case file legally sufficient to support separation. On
22 Jan 08, the discharge authority approved the discharge and directed the applicant be discharged with an uncharacterized entry-level separation.

On 23 Jan 08, applicant received an uncharacterized entry-level separation, by reason of “Personality Disorder,” and was issued an RE code of 2C (involuntarily separated with an uncharacterized entry level separation). Applicant served 3 months and 15 days on active duty.

AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
HQ AFPC/DPSOS recommends the applicant’s separation code be changed to reflect “JFY” and the narrative reason for separation be corrected to reflect “Adjustment Disorder.”

A review of the applicant’s records reveals there was an error or injustice in the applicant’s separation record. His DD Form 214 incorrectly reflects he was discharged from the Air Force with a separation code of “JFX” and a narrative reason of “Personality Disorder.” This does not infer that the applicant’s separation from the Air Force was unjust or improper, rather the separation code entered on his DD Form 214, was incorrect. Since the applicant was diagnosed with an adjustment disorder with depressed mood, the DD Form 214 should have reflected a separation code of “JFY” and narrative reason for separation of “Adjustment Disorder.” Although DPSOS recommends the separation code and narrative reason for separation be corrected, they must point out the corrective action will not result in a more favorable reenlistment condition than what currently appears on his DD Form 214.

Airmen are given entry-level separation/uncharacterized service characterization when separation is initiated within the first
180 days of continuous active service. It would be unfair to the member and the service to characterize their limited service. Therefore, the uncharacterized character of service resulting in the reentry code of “2C” on his DD Form 214 is correct and in accordance with DoD and Air Force Instructions.

The complete DPSOS evaluation is at Exhibit C.

APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

Applicant states when he signed the mental health evaluation referred to him, he believed he was being ordered to sign it, and followed orders. He thought he was being recommended for an administrative separation and thought he would be eligible to join the Air Force Reserve or National Guard upon discharge. He went for an evaluation and was assessed with no psychiatric/psychological conditions. This assessment was done by a board certified Psychiatrist. Her assessment of his mental state should have more creditability then that assessed by Col Z. who is a Clinical Neuropsychologist. Also, the assessment done at Lackland AFB was by a questionnaire on a computer and was screened by a mental health technician. Surely, a Psychiatrist is better qualified to assess his mental and emotional state. He was unhappy with his assignment in security forces. He wanted to be transferred to a technical assignment that was more suitable to his education and training. He is not depressed and he has submitted evidence to prove this. He was misdiagnosed at Lackland AFB. He would like to serve his Country as a member of the Air Force Reserve.

The applicant’s complete submission is at Exhibit E.

THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT:
1.	The applicant has exhausted all remedies provided by existing law or regulations.

2.	The application was timely filed.
3.	Sufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of error or injustice warranting a change in the reason for the applicant’s separation. In this respect, the applicant is requesting the narrative reason for his separation be changed to reflect “Administrative Discharge.” However, the term “Administrative Discharge” is not an appropriate entry for Item 28, of the DD Form 214. The applicant’s records indicate he was administratively separated under the provisions of AFI 36-3208, Administrative Separation of Airmen, with the reason for his discharge being “Personality Disorder.” After reviewing the evidence of record, it appears the applicant’s narrative reason for separation inaccurately reflects the circumstances surrounding his discharge. As noted by the Separations Branch, he was not diagnosed with a personality disorder; but, as the record indicates, was diagnosed with an adjustment disorder. Additionally, we note the applicant’s desire to serve in the Air Force Reserve, and would like to point out that his RE code of “2C” while barring him from reenlistment with the Air Force, may be waived by another branch of the military service. In view of the above, and to preclude any further injustice to the applicant, it is our opinion that this matter should be resolved in his favor. Therefore, we recommend that the narrative reason for his separation and the
1.	
corresponding separation code be changed to reflect “Adjustment Disorder.”

THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT:
The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to APPLICANT, be corrected to show that he was discharged on 23 January 2008, with a narrative reason for separation of “Adjustment Disorder” rather than “Personality Disorder,” and a separation code of “JFY” rather than “JFX.”

The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2008-01881 in Executive Session on 19 Aug 08, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

Panel Chair 
Member
Member
All members voted to correct the records, as recommended. The following documentary evidence pertaining to Docket Number BC-2008-01881 was considered:

Exhibit A.	DD Form 149, dated 15 May 08, w/atchs. Exhibit B.	Applicant's Master Personnel Records. Exhibit C.	Letter, AFPC/DPSOS, dated 10 Jun 08.
Exhibit D.	Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 27 Jun 08. Exhibit E.	Letter, Applicant, dated 18 Jul 08.