RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF: 			DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2015-05056

						COUNSEL:  NONE

						HEARING DESIRED:  NO 

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

The Reenlistment (RE) code 2C reflected in Block 27 of his DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, be removed or waived to allow his enlistment into the Air National Guard or Air Force Reserve.

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He was told he would be part of the United States Air Force Band.  Due to errors and misunderstanding, he was discharged with a personality disorder.  He is more mature and would like the opportunity to reenlist.

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

STATEMENT OF FACTS:

On 5 Sep 01, the applicant initially entered the Regular Air Force.

On 21 Apr 02, the applicant was furnished an Honorable discharge with Reenlistment code 2C, and Narrative Reason Personality Disorder, and credited with 0 years, 7 months, and 18 days active service.

On 11 Aug 16, the Air Force Discharge Review Board voted to change the applicant’s DD Form 214, Narrative Reason, to Secretarial Authority and Separation Program Designator (SPD) Code to KFF. The Board denied the applicant’s request to change his RE code.

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

AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DP3ST recommends denial, indicating there is no evidence of error or injustice.

In accordance with Air Force Instruction (AFI) 36-2606, Reenlistment in the United States Air Force, dated 21 Nov 01, Chapter 3, the applicant received an RE code of 2C (Involuntarily separated with an honorable discharge; or entry level separation without characterization of service).

The applicant does not provide any evidence of error or injustice.  Additionally, the applicant’s request for correction is not within three years of discovery of the alleged error or injustice, and he does not provide a reason for not applying within the allotted timeframe.

A complete copy of the AFPC/DP3ST evaluation is at Exhibit C.

BCMR Psychiatric Advisor recommends denial, indicating there is no evidence of error or injustice.

On 5 Dec 01, a Psychiatry note indicated the applicant was referred due to issues with attention and concentration.  It was documented the applicant had a history of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) treated successfully with medication.

On 17 Dec 01, an Outpatient Neuropsychological Screening Evaluation noted, “…Following testing, the applicant was diagnosed with ADHD, primarily inattentive type-mild (by history) and Adjustment Disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood.”

On 21 Jan 02, an Emergency Room note stated, “…According to patient, he lost desire to call parents, go to church.  Feels that the Air Force is not for him.  Escort reports he has been telling others he wants to kill himself.”

On 27 Feb 02, a psychologist noted, for a Command Directed Evaluation, “…Applicant was referred by his commander for a directed mental health evaluation due to reported difficulty adapting to military service, as manifested by frequent tearful episodes and depressed mood.”  The evaluating psychologist, who also was a Chief of Psychology services, opined the applicant suffered from Adjustment Disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood and recommended administrative separation.

The applicant’s disclosed diagnosis and treatment of ADHD was not documented on enlistment.  The applicant reported other behavioral health issues; however, ADHD was not one of them.  In accordance with Department of Defense Instruction 6130.03, Medical Standards for Appointment, Enlistment, or Induction in the Military Services, ADHD is a disqualifying condition unless:  the applicant has not required an Individualized Education Program or work accommodations since the age of 14; there is no history of comorbid mental disorders; the applicant has never taken more than a single daily dosage of medication or has not been prescribed medication for this condition for more than 24 cumulative months after the age of 14; during periods off of medication after the age of 14, the applicant has been able to maintain at least a 2.0 grade point average without accommodations; documentation from the applicant’s prescribing provider that continued medication is not required for acceptable occupational or work performance; and applicant is required to enter service and pass Service-specific training periods with no prescribed medication for ADHD.  It is very likely the applicant would receive a waiver for his ADHD on his initial enlistment; however, at this time, he would be precluded from reenlistment by failure to fulfill the above listed prerequisites, specifically, ability to complete training without medications and presence of comorbid psychiatric condition.

According to the medical records, applicant’s distress was triggered by his inability to focus during the classroom training, which in turn triggered anxiety about his ability to perform satisfactorily.  The applicant’s comment that he was supposed to be in the Air Force band, instead, found himself in the undesirable career field, does not hold considerable weight.

The applicant was diagnosed with Adjustment Disorder, the reason for his discharge, by a Mental Health specialist.  At the time of separation, the applicant did not contest the discharge; in fact, it appears he welcomed it.  By Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) IV, Adjustment Disorder is characterized by, “Marked distress that is out of proportion to the severity or intensity of the stressor.”  The transition into the military is a demanding process and any normal/healthy individual can get stressed.  It is a normal reaction, but it would not be diagnosed as an Adjustment Disorder.  This diagnosis is only applied when the response to stress is “OUT of PROPORTION” to what normally would be expected in that particular situation.  The applicant’s stated desire to die is certainly a pathological/exaggerated psychological response to the above mentioned circumstances.

There is evidence the applicant did not function well at the time of stress, and returning him to the military possesses uncertain risks of recurrence of mental health illness when he is confronted with stressors beyond his span of control; particularly under operational conditions confronted by all Military Departments, regardless of Service component or career field.

A complete copy of the BCMR Psychiatric Advisor evaluation is at Exhibit D.

SAF/MRBP recommends denial, indicating there is no evidence of error or injustice.

On 11 Aug 16, the applicant sought remedy through the Discharge Review Board (DRB) in the form of a records-only review.  The applicant requested changes to his discharge narrative reason and his reenlistment eligibility code.  The DRB voted unanimously to change his narrative reason to “Secretarial Authority,” but to deny his request to change his reenlistment eligibility code.

A complete copy of the SAF/MRBP evaluation is at Exhibit E.

APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

Copies of the Air Force evaluations were forwarded to the applicant on 22 Sep 17 for review and comment within 30 days (Exhibit F).  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 not timely filed; however, it is in the interest of justice to excuse the failure to timely file.  

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 offices of primary responsibility and adopt their rationale as the basis for our conclusion 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. 

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-2015-05056 in Executive Session on 13 Mar 18 under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

	, Panel Chair
	, Member
	, Member

The following documentary evidence pertaining to AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2015-05056 was considered:

	Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 16 Nov 15, w/atch.
	Exhibit B.  Excerpt from Personnel/Service Treatment Records.
	Exhibit C.  Memorandum, AFPC/DP3ST, dated 18 May 16.
	Exhibit D.  Memorandum, BCMR Psychiatric Advisor, 
  dated 31 May 17.
	Exhibit E.  Memorandum, SAF/MRBP, dated 29 Aug 17, w/atch.
	Exhibit F.  Letter, AFBCMR, dated 22 Sep 17, w/atchs.

Pursuant to paragraph 1 of AFI 36-2603 (Title 32 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 865.1), it is certified a quorum was present at the Board's review and deliberations regarding AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2015-05056, and the foregoing is a true and complete record of the Board's proceedings in the above entitled matter.