RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF: 				DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2015-01967

 							COUNSEL:  NONE

							HEARING DESIRED:  NO 

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His Reentry (RE) code “2C” which denotes, “Involuntarily separated with an honorable discharge; or Entry Level Separation (ELS) without characterization of service” be changed to allow reenlistment in the Armed Forces.  

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He was briefed during his out processing that he would be allowed to reenlist in another branch of service.  

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

STATEMENT OF FACTS:

On 15 April 2014, the applicant entered the Regular Air Force. 

According to the 59th Medical Wing, Behavioral Analysis Service (BAS) letter dated 24 April 2014, the applicant was seen at the BAS after a self-referral due to past and current anxiety and depressed mood.  He reported he had recurring nightmares and an abuse history that was reactivated in the training environment.  The mixture of stressors caused him to lose focus and motivation resulting in poor performance in training.  The applicant was diagnosed with adjustment disorder with anxiety and depressed mood.  The letter stated the diagnoses did not meet retention standards for continued service and that his mental health condition was so severe that his ability to function effectively in a military environment was impaired.  It was recommended he be discharged with an ELS.  

On 1 May 2014, the applicant was notified by his commander he was being recommended for discharge for mental disorders in accordance with AFI 36-3208, Administrative Separation of Airmen.  Specifically, per the mental health evaluation dated 24 April 2014, he was diagnosed with a mental disorder as contained in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV).  His diagnosis of adjustment disorder with anxiety and depressed mood would have an adverse effect on his daily ability to continue in service.  Therefore, he was recommended for administrative discharge.  

On 1 May 2014, the applicant acknowledged the discharge recommendation, his right to consult counsel and submit statements in his own behalf.  

On 5 May 2014, the discharge authority approved the recommendation the applicant be discharged.

On 6 May 2014, the applicant was discharged with an ELS, uncharacterized character of service, RE code “2C” and a narrative reason for separation of “Adjustment Disorder.”  He served 22 days of active duty service.  
 
The remaining relevant facts pertaining to this application are contained in the memorandums prepared by the Air Force offices of primary responsibility (OPRs), which are attached at Exhibits C, D and F.  

AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPSOA recommends denial.  The RE code “2C” is correct based on his ELS with uncharacterized character of service.  The applicant states he was told he would be able to reenlist in another branch of service.  However, he was involuntarily discharged and whether or not he was told he could join another branch of service has no impact on his correct RE code of “2C.”  Additionally, if he is now or later found medically qualified for any branch of service, a waiver for reentry in the military would be more appropriate than a change of the correct “2C” RE code.

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

AETC/SGPS recommends denial.  Based on the documentation, the discharge to include the type of separation, Separation Program Designator (SPD) code, narrative reason for separation and character of service was appropriately administered and within the discretion of the discharge authority.  The applicant did not provide any evidence an error or injustice occurred in the discharge processing. Further, the applicant stated he understood the diagnoses and treatment plan.  Subsequently, he was processed for an ELS.  

A complete copy of the AETC/SGPS evaluation is at Exhibit D.

APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

Copies of the Air Force evaluations were forwarded to the applicant on 5 January 2016 for review and comment within 30 days (Exhibit E).  As of this date, no response has been received by this office.

ADDITIONAL AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The BCMR Psychiatric Consultant finds insufficient evidence to warrant the desired change of the record.  There is no evidence refuting the fact that the applicant experienced an adjustment disorder during his military service or that it was permanently aggravated through military service.  According to DODD 6130.03, Medical Standards for Appointment, Enlistment or Induction in the Military Services, dated 28 April 2010, “Current or history of any condition that, in the opinion of a medical officer, shall significantly interfere with the successful performance of a military duty or training is disqualifying.”  This includes anxiety disorders or acute reactions to stress.

A complete copy of the BCMR Psychiatric Consultant’s evaluation is at Exhibit F.  

APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF ADDITIONAL AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

A copy of the BCMR Psychiatric Consultant evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 7 September 2016 for review and comment within 30 days (Exhibit G).  As of this date, no response has been received by this office.

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 opinions and recommendations of the Air Force OPRs and adopt the rationale expressed as the basis for our conclusion the applicant has not been the victim of an error or injustice.  Furthermore, as pointed out by AFPC/DPSOA, if the applicant is now or later found medically qualified for any branch of service, the service may consider a waiver for reentry.  Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no basis to recommend granting the requested relief.

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-2015-01967 in Executive Session on 6 October 2016 under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

	 , Panel Chair
	 , Member
	 , Member

The following documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 6 May 2015, w/atch.
	Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.  Memorandum, AFPC/DPSOA, dated 5 August 2015.
	Exhibit D.  Memorandum, AETC/SGPS, dated 22 December 2015.
	Exhibit E.  Letter, AFBCMR, dated 5 January 2016.
	Exhibit F.  Memorandum, BCMR Psychiatric Consultant, dated 
			  18 July 2016.
	Exhibit G.  Letter, AFBCMR, dated 7 September 2016

Pursuant to paragraph 1 of AFI 36-2603 (Title 32 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 865.1), it is certified that a quorum was present at the Board's review and deliberations, and that the foregoing is a true and complete record of the Board's proceedings in the above entitled matter.