RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2013-01113 COUNSEL: NO HEARING DESIRED: NO ________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: His physical disqualification discharge be changed to a disability discharge. ________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: When he out-processed, he was told that his discharge would be classified as a disability. He was not diagnosed with being bipolar until long after he enlisted and it is not a physical disqualification. The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A. ________________________________________________________________ STATEMENT OF FACTS: The applicant’s military personnel records indicate he enlisted in the Missouri Air National Guard on 27 Mar 07. On 30 Aug 10, the National Guard Bureau (NGB) determined that the applicant was medically disqualified for worldwide duty based on the applicant’s diagnosis of Bipolar Affective Disorder. On 18 Jan 11, the applicant was furnished an honorable discharge with a narrative reason for separation of “Physical Disqualification.” He was credited with 3 years, 9 months, and 22 days of total reserve service. Item 23 of his NGB Form 22, National Guard Bureau Report of Separation and Record of Service, indicates the authority and reason for his discharge was paragraph 3.14 of AFI 36-3209, Separation and Retirement Procedures for Members of the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve, which describes the procedures for discharge of members due to physical disqualification when they are not qualified for a disability separation or retirement under the provisions of AFI 36-3212, Physical Evaluation for Retention, Retirement, and Separation. According to paragraph 3.14.7, prior to the execution of a discharge for physical disqualification for a non-duty related impairment or condition the member shall be afforded the opportunity to enter the Disability Evaluation System (DES) for a determination of fitness pursuant to DoDD 1332.18 and implementing regulatory issuances. The remaining relevant facts pertaining to this application are described in the letter prepared by the Air Force office of primary which is attached at Exhibit C. ________________________________________________________________ AIR FORCE EVALUATION: NGB/SGPA recommends denial, indicating the applicant was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder after enlisting in the ANG in 2007; however, he was not diagnosed while in a military status nor was his condition caused by his military service. In 2010, the applicant was found unfit for military service through the Disability Evaluation System (DES). In accordance with AFI 36- 2903 [sic], paragraph 3.14, the applicant does not qualify for a medical disability. A complete copy of the NGB/SGPA 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 28 May 13 for review and comment within 30 days. As of this date, no response has been received by this office (Exhibit D). ________________________________________________________________ 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. 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 Air Force office of primary responsibility (OPR) and adopt its rationale as the basis for our conclusion the applicant has not been the victim of an error or injustice. The applicant’s contentions are duly noted; however, we do not find these assertions, in and by themselves, sufficiently persuasive to override the evidence of record or the rationale provided by the Air Force OPR. We are not persuaded by the evidence presented that the applicant’s Bipolar Affective Disorder was caused or aggravated by his military service or that his administrative discharge for medical disqualification represents 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. ________________________________________________________________ THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT: The applicant be notified the evidence presented did not demonstrate the existence of material error or 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. ________________________________________________________________ The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2013-01113 in Executive Session on 12 Dec 13, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603: , Panel Chair , Member , Member The following documentary evidence pertaining to AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2013-01113 was considered: Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 28 Feb 13, w/atchs. Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records. Exhibit C. Letter, NGB/SGPA, dated 7 May 13. Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 28 May 13. Panel Chair