RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2008-01990
		INDEX CODE:  110.00
		COUNSEL:  NONE
		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

Her narrative reason for separation, “Personality Disorder,” be changed to “Administrative Separation” or equivalent.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

She has never had a personality disorder.  Her statement is supported by the Veteran Affairs medical examination performed by a psychologist.

In support of the application, the applicant submits a copy of her DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, copies of her Enlisted Performance Reports (EPRs), a copy of her AF Form 899, Request and Authorization for Permanent Change of Station – Military, and a character reference letter.

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

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

On 18 and 22 May 07, applicant was seen in the Medical Group Life Skills Support Center for a non-emergency command directed evaluation because of repeated attempts to get out of her assignment, repeatedly seeking treatment at Life Skills and other medical clinics expressing an unwillingness to deploy due to physical and mental health problems, failing to qualify on the M-16 due to stress and ultimately not being suitable for deployment.  Subsequently, she was diagnosed with Adjustment Disorder with Mixed Anxiety and Depressed Mood, Chronic (DSM-IV Axis I) by a licensed clinical health psychologist. 

On 19 Oct 07, her commander notified her that he was recommending her discharge from military service for Conditions that Interfere with Military Service – Mental Disorders.  

She was honorably discharged on 17 Nov 07 with an incorrect separation code of “GFX.”  

The remaining relevant facts pertaining to this application, extracted from the applicant’s military records, are contained in the letter prepared by the appropriate office of the Air Force at Exhibit C. 

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

HQ AFPC/DPSOS recommends applicant’s narrative reason be changed to “Adjustment Disorder” and her separation code be changed to “JFY.”

DPSOS states that although the applicant’s narrative reason and separation code are incorrect on her DD Form 214, her separation from military service was not unjust or improper.  

The complete DPSOS evaluation is at Exhibit C.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The applicant responded and stated that she would only accept “Administrative Separation” or “Administrative Discharge” as her narrative reason for separation.  She states if her DD Form 214 referenced any type of “disorder” she would request an investigation into wrongful discharge and/or malpractice.  She states two civilian medical opinions have declared that she could not have had a “disorder” during her time in service based on full examination of her medical and personnel records (Exhibit E).  

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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.  Sufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of error or injustice.  While we note the applicant’s strong objection to having her record reflect any type of “disorder,” the evidence of record clearly substantiates that she was diagnosed with an adjustment disorder.  Unfortunately, at the time of her discharge, adjustment disorder was not coded separately and was characterized as “personality disorder.”  However, the DoD subsequently recognized the limitation of this approach and created additional separation codes to accurately identify the reasons for an individual’s discharge.  Therefore, we agree with the Air Force office of primary responsibility that the applicant’s separation code and narrative reason should be changed to reflect ‘adjustment disorder.”  Accordingly, we find no basis to correct the record as requested and recommend the record be corrected as indicated below.

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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 she was discharged on 17 November 2007, with a narrative reason for separation of “Adjustment Disorder” rather than “Personality Disorder,” and a separation code of “JFY” rather than “GFX.”

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The following members of the Board considered this application in Executive Session on 22 October 2008, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

	XXXXXXXXXX, Panel Chair
	XXXXXXXXXX, Member
	XXXXXXXXXX, Member

The following documentary evidence was considered under AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2008-01990:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

    Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 20 May 08, w/atchs.
    Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
    Exhibit C.  Letter, HQ AFPC/DPSOS, dated 11 Jun 08.
    Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 27 Jun 08.
    Exhibit E.  Email message, Applicant, dated 30 Jul 08.

                                   XXXXXXXXXX
                                   Panel Chair

AFBCMR BC-2008-01990

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 APPLICANT be corrected to show that she was discharged on 17 November 2007, with a narrative reason for separation of “Adjustment Disorder” rather than “Personality Disorder,” and a separation code of “JFY” rather than “JFX.”

                                                                        XXXXXXXXXX
                                                                        Director
                                                                        Air Force Review Boards Agency