RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2010-04319 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: YES ________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: Her reason for discharge be changed to reflect medical disability incurred while on active duty. ________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: She was not afforded a Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) or a Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) so she is not eligible for VA medical benefits. She was diagnosed with depression after she completed basic and technical school training. She was not depressed when she entered the Air Force. In fact, she loved the Air Force and was awarded the Airman’s Award in basic training. She was also selected as the Top New Airman at Kadena. She sought counseling when she was notified of her commander’s decision to recommend her for discharge. She was not provided detailed advice on the implications of the discharge and would have requested a PEB or MEB. Also, while on Okinawa, she was treated for bilateral hip and knee conditions that prohibited her from participating in physical training. To this day, she still cannot run for physical fitness and experiences chronic pain in her hips and knees. She believes she was treated unfairly and is being deprived of VA benefits. In support of her appeal, the applicant provides a copy of her DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, and other supporting documentation. The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A. ________________________________________________________________ STATEMENT OF FACTS: The applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force on 8 August 2006. On 22 September 2006, upon completion of basic training, she was awarded the Honor Graduate Training Ribbon. She was assigned to Kadena Air Base Japan and was featured as the Warrior of the Week in the 2 March 2007 Shogun newspaper. On 3 April 2007, the applicant was diagnosed with Adjustment Disorder with Mixed Disturbance of Emotions and Conduct, an administratively unsuitable condition for duty. Based upon the diagnosis, her commander decided the applicant would have a negative impact on the unit if retained in the Air Force. On 24 April 2007, the applicant was notified of her commander’s intent to discharge her from the Air Force. She waived her right to consult counsel and submit statements on her behalf. On 26 April 2007, the case was found legally sufficient by the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate. On 27 April 2007, the commander directed the applicant be discharged from the Air Force in accordance with Air Force Instruction 36-3808, Administrative Separation of Airmen, with an honorable discharge. The narrative reason for separation was listed as adjustment disorder. She was credited with serving 9 months on active duty. ________________________________________________________________ AIR FORCE EVALUATION: The BCMR Medical Consultant recommends denial. The Medical Consultant opines that although a depressed mood is a feature of an otherwise compensable Major Depressive Disorder or Mood Disorder, its association with a maladaptive pattern of behavior earns it place as a commonly associated feature or imbedded symptom alongside or subsumed within the diagnosis of Adjustment Disorders. He agrees the applicant’s condition may have incurred while on active duty; however it does not constitute a medical disability. The complete BCMR Medical evaluation is at Exhibit C. ________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION: A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 27 June 2011, for review and comment within 30 days (Exhibit D). As of this date, this office has received no response. ________________________________________________________________ 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 error or injustice. We took notice of the applicant's complete submission in judging the merits of the case; however, we agree with the opinion 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. Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no 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. ________________________________________________________________ THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT: The applicant be notified that the evidence presented did not demonstrate the existence of 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. ________________________________________________________________ The following members of the Board considered this application in Executive Session on 28 July 2011, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603: The following documentary evidence was considered in connection with AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2010-04319: Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 28 Oct 10, w/atchs. Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records. Exhibit C. BCMR Medical Consultant, dated 22 Jun 11. Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 27 Jun 11.