RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF: 			DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2014-05239

   						COUNSEL:  NONE

						HEARING DESIRED:  YES 

APPLICANT REQUESTS:

The “uncharacterized” character of service on his DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, be changed to honorable to allow him to reenlist.  

APPLICANT CONTENDS:

The Air Force discharged him so they did not have to provide him with benefits for the injury he received while in basic training.  During basic training he fell two stories on an obstacle course and was sent to Airman hold-over for two months.  He was then discharged with an adjustment disorder although he had no mental issues.  He was threatened with a dishonorable discharge if he refused. 

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

STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant initially entered the Regular Air Force on 6 Aug 13.

On 6 Nov 13, an Air Force Clinical Psychologist diagnosed the applicant as having an Adjustment Disorder with Anxiety, and the condition was severe enough his ability to function in the military was significantly impaired and it disqualified him from retention in the Air Force. 

On 20 Nov 13, the applicant’s commander notified him he was recommending him for discharge for a condition which interferes with military service, specifically, for mental disorder.  The commander’s recommendation was for entry level discharge (ELS) separation, which would make the applicant ineligible for reenlistment.  The applicant’s commander recommended him for an ELS, the applicant acknowledged receipt of the notification, and was advised of his right to legal counsel and to submit statements on his own behalf.

On 22 Nov 13, the discharge authority directed the applicant be discharged with an ELS due to a condition that interferes with military service, specifically, a mental disorder. 

On 26 Nov 13, the applicant was furnished an ELS, with a narrative reason for separation of “Adjustment Disorder/Mental Disorder/Med,” uncharacterized character of service, a separation program designator code of “JFY,” a reentry (RE) code of “2C” (entry level separation without characterization of service), and was credited with 3 months and 21 days of active service.   

The remaining relevant facts pertaining to this application are contained in the memoranda prepared by the Air Force offices of primary responsibility (OPRs), which are attached at Exhibits C, D, and E.    

AIR FORCE EVALUATIONS:

AFPC/DPSOR recommends denial indicating there is no evidence of an error or an injustice in the applicant’s narrative reason for separation, SPD code, or character of service.  The applicant was removed from training and his discharge was initiated due to the diagnosis of a medical condition which disqualified him from retention in the military.  Therefore, his narrative reason for separation and SPD code are correct on his DD Form 214.  Airmen are given ELS with “uncharacterized” character of service when separation is initiated in the first 180 days of continuous active service.  The Department of Defense (DoD) determined it would be unfair to the member and the service to characterize a member’s limited service when separation is initiated within the first 180 days of active service.  Therefore, his “uncharacterized” character of service is also correct and in accordance with Department of Defense and Air Force instructions.  

A complete copy of the AFPC/DPSOR evaluation is at Exhibit C.

AFPC/DPSOA recommends denial indicating there is no evidence of an error or an injustice concerning his RE code.  The applicant received an ELS with a narrative reason for separation of “Adjustment Disorder/Mental Disorder/Med” after serving 3 months and 21 days of active service.  Based upon his ELS with uncharacterized character of service, the RE code of “2C” is correct.  The applicant did not provide any evidence of an error or injustice in reference to his RE code.  The applicant states he was threatened with a dishonorable discharge if he refused, however, his discharge was involuntary and he could not refuse. 

A complete copy of the AFPC/DPSOA evaluation is at Exhibit D.

The AFBCMR Psychiatric Advisor recommends denial indicating there is no evidence of an error or an injustice.  On 6 Nov 13, the applicant was seen at the Behavioral Health Clinic per self-referral.  The examiner indicated the applicant reported lack of motivation, impaired sleep, impaired concentration, anxious mood and perceived inability to complete tasks. It was also remarked the symptoms onset coincided with assignment to a flying billet and requirement to complete SERE training.  The evaluator determined the applicant suffered from an Adjustment Disorder with Anxiety, which did not meet retention standards and administrative separation was recommended.  The applicant claims he sustained an injury during his basic training, but there is no record of the applicant ever being evaluated for it.  Furthermore, he was a holdover Airman for medical clearance for asthma and not due to the shoulder injury.  At some point, the applicant sought out support at the Behavioral Health Clinic, but it is unknown how many times applicant was seen there.  The behavioral health specialist behind the report identified multiple psychological problems the applicant was experiencing, but failed to mention the duration of his symptoms.   

Acute Adjustment Disorder has been, for decades, listed in Air Force and Department of Defense policies as a disqualifying medical condition.  Unless additional clinical and service information is presented for the review, the psychiatric advisor would not be able to confirm whether or not an error or injustice took place in the decision rendered.  As a final point, the applicant’s request for the honorable discharge is not possible due to the ELS that by regulations has to be uncharacterized.   

A complete copy of the AFBCMR Psychiatric Advisor evaluation is at Exhibit E.

APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATIONS:

In further support of his request, the applicant submitted a personal statement indicating he is not requesting benefits, he only wants to reenlist.  He contends his diagnosis of adjustment disorder was just a way for the Air Force to cut back without having to be responsible for covering expenses after separation, and contends he never said he couldn’t complete SERE.  He challenges the Board to send him back through the entirety of basic training and if there are any issues they will occur in basic and not on the battle field. (Exhibit G)   

THE BOARD CONCLUDES:

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 opinions and recommendations of the Air Force offices of primary responsibility (OPRs) and adopt their rationale as the basis for our conclusion the applicant has not been the victim of an error of injustice.  Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no basis to recommend granting the requested relief.

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:

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-2014-05239 in Executive Session on 19 May 15 under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

	Panel Chair
	Member
	Member

The following documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 23 Dec 14, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
Exhibit C.  Memorandum, AFPC/DPSOR, dated 15 Jan 15.
Exhibit D.  Memorandum, AFPC/DPSOA, dated 10 Feb 15.
Exhibit E.  Memorandum, AFBCMR Psychiatric Advisor, dated 24 Mar 16.
	Exhibit F.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 29 Mar 16.
	Exhibit G.  Letter, Applicant, undated.