RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF: 			DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2015-01991

   						COUNSEL:  NONE

						HEARING DESIRED:  NO 

APPLICANT REQUESTS:

His reentry (RE) code of “2C” (Involuntary separation with an Honorable discharge) be changed to “1” to allow him to reenter the military. 

APPLICANT CONTENDS:

He is not, and has never been mentally ill.  He was “railroaded out” because his chain of command did not like him.  

The applicant’s complete submission is at Exhibit A.

STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant initially entered the Regular Air Force on 30 Nov 04.

On 25 Oct 10, an Air Force Clinical Psychologist notified the applicant’s commander the applicant had been engaged in treatment at the mental health clinic for some time but his symptoms had recently escalated to the point where he was no longer compatible with military service.  The reason for this was his Paranoid Personality Disorder was of such a severity it significantly interfered with his ability to function in a military environment.  

On 2 Nov 10, the applicant’s commander notified him he was recommending him for discharge for conditions that interfere with military service:  mental disorders—personality disorders.  The applicant acknowledged his right to an administrative discharge board, to legal counsel, and to submit statements in his own behalf. 

On 8 Nov 10, the applicant’s commander recommended him for discharge due to conditions that interfere with military service:  mental disorders—personality disorders.  The discharge was reviewed by the Staff Judge Advocate and determined to be legally sufficient.  

On 12 Nov 10, the discharge authority directed the applicant be discharged for conditions that interfere with military service:  mental disorders—personality disorders, without opportunity for probation and rehabilitation.  The applicant was furnished an honorable discharge, with a narrative reason for separation of “Personality Disorder,” and was credited with 5 years, 11 months, and 13 days of active service.   

On 11 Dec 14, the Discharge Review Board (DRB) reviewed the applicant’s appeal of his separation, and granted his request to change the reason and authority for discharge to “Secretarial Authority.”  However, the DRB denied his request to change his RE code in light of his medical condition.  

On 23 Dec 14, AFPC issued the applicant an amended DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, reflecting a narrative reason for discharge of “Secretarial Authority.’

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 and F.    

AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPSOA recommends denial indicating there is no evidence of an error or an injustice.  Applicant does not provide any evidence of an error or injustice with his request to change his RE code.  The only RE code in the #1 series which a member can separate with is 1J--(Eligible to reenlist, but elects separation.  All Airmen selected under the Selective Reenlistment Program [SRP] who elect separation are given an RE code 1J).  The applicant should not be awarded a RE code 1J as his commander recommended him for involuntary discharged which is more in line with being denied reenlistment.  

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

APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

In further support of his request, the applicant submitted the following statement, “I was allowed to reenlist because nothing was wrong with me.  They thought I wanted to get out so they used the personality disorder to get me out because it was in my record not because it was affecting my work.  I am good and have no diagnosis that would prevent me from serving effectively.” (Exhibit E)   

ADDITIONAL AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The AFBCMR Psychiatric Advisor recommends denial indicating there is no evidence of an error or an injustice.  The Psychiatric Advisor provided a thorough review of the applicant’s psychiatric history, to include his struggles with alcohol, his treatment, and related disciplinary issues.  On 29 Oct 10, a multidisciplinary team reviewed the applicant’s case and “all providers agreed that pt’s (patient) condition is not compatible with continued military service.”  This advisor opines it is not realistically possible for the applicant to return to military duty due to his diagnosis of Personality Disorder.  This diagnosis was the underlying basis for his involuntary discharge, based on the member’s history of his oppositional behavior and inflexible and paranoid thinking.  The applicant went through two programs directed at his alcohol abuse, nevertheless, continued to drink and denied he had a problem.  The applicant was evaluated by several Psychiatrists and Psychologists all of whom at one point or another gave him the diagnosis of Personality Disorder.  The diagnosis of Delusional Disorder was also made by two of the Psychiatrists who were caring for him while in the military.  There is every reason to believe both Personality Disorder and Delusional Disorder were present during his time in service.  The combination of his SPD code, which stands for Personality Disorder, and his RE code, which is an administrative discharge, was very appropriate and even generous considering the military record.  Recommend denial of the change in the RE code.

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

APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF THE ADDITIONAL AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

A copy of the additional Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 19 Aug 16 for review and comment within 30 days (Exhibit G).  As of this date, no response has been received by this office.

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, to include the applicant’s rebuttal, in judging the merits of the case; however, we agree with the opinions and recommendations of AFPC/DPSOA and the AFBCMR Psychiatric Advisor 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.

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-2015-01991 in Executive Session on 22 Sep 16 under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

	Panel Chair
	Member
	Member

The following documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 15 Jun 15.
	Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.  Memorandum, AFPC/DPSOA, dated 13 Jul 15.
	Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 31 Jul 15.
	Exhibit E.  E-mail, Applicant, dated 7 Jan 16.
Exhibit F.  Memorandum, AFBCMR Psychiatric Advisor, dated 11 Aug 16.
	Exhibit G.  Letter, AFBCMR, dated 19 Aug 16. 

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 the foregoing is a true and complete record of the Board's proceedings in the above entitled matter.