RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS

IN THE MATTER OF				DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2016-02123

XXXXXXXXXXXXX				COUNSEL: NONE

							HEARING: YES 

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His records be corrected as follows:

a.  Remove the diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder from his discharge;

b.  He be returned to duty.

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

The medical provider who diagnosed him as bipolar in 2014, “revoked” the diagnosis while the applicant was in the process of being considered for a medical discharge.  Since the diagnosis has been revoked, he should not be considered unfit for duty and it is no longer appropriate as a reason for discharge.  The applicant’s complete submission is at Exhibit A.

STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant is a former Air Force Reserve senior airman.  

On 1 May 14, the applicant was “assessed” with Bipolar I Disorder.

On 23 Sep 14, the applicant’s medical assessment reflected Bipolar II Disorder (in remission).

On 24 Oct 14 and 21 Nov 14, the applicant’s medical assessment reflected 1. Bipolar II Disorder (in remission); 2. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. 

AF Form 469, Duty Limiting Condition Report, dated 7 Dec 14, reflects “Member is not worldwide qualified or deployable. May not participate for pay or points.”, and “Requires MEB or PEB processing.”

On 9 Dec 14, the applicant’s medical assessment reflected 1. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder; 2. Unspecified Anxiety Disorder. 

On 24 Jul 15, the Informal Physical Evaluation Board (IPEB) found the applicant unfit to perform his duties with a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder.

On 18 Sep 15, the Formal Physical Evaluation Board (FPEB) found the applicant unfit to perform his duties with a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder.

On 31 Mar 16, the Secretary of the Air Force Personnel Council concurred with the finding of the Physical Evaluation Boards.

On 7 Nov 16, the applicant was discharged from the Air Force Reserve with an honorable discharge.

For more information, see the excerpt of the applicant’s record at Exhibit B and the advisory at Exhibit C.

AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The AFBCMR Psychiatric Advisor recommends denying the application.  

There is a notation from the applicant’s medical provider where she labeled his condition as Social Phobia.  She indicated the applicant had been using the combination of medication for approximately one year, successfully.  While the applicant is no longer diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, a Social Phobia diagnosis is sufficient to prohibit admission into the military.  The complete advisory is at Exhibit C.

APPLICANT’S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The Board sent a copy of the Air Force evaluation to the applicant on 9 Aug 18 for comment (Exhibit D), but has received no response. 

THE BOARD CONCLUDES:

1.  The application was timely filed.

2.  The applicant exhausted all available avenues of non-judicial relief before applying to the Board.

3.  After thoroughly reviewing all Exhibits, it is the Board’s opinion that the applicant is not the victim of an error or injustice.  The Board concurs with the rationale and recommendation of the AFBCMR Psychiatric Advisor and finds that a preponderance of the evidence does not substantiate the applicant’s contentions.  Therefore, the Board recommends against correcting the applicant’s records.

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 the Board’s understanding of the issues involved.

THE BOARD RECOMMENDS:  

The applicant be informed that the evidence did not demonstrate material error or injustice, and the application will only be reconsidered upon receipt of relevant evidence not already considered by the Board.

The application was adjudicated without a personal appearance.

CERTIFICATION:  

The following quorum of the Board, as defined in Air Force Instruction (AFI) 36-2603, Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records (AFBCMR), paragraph 1.5., considered Docket Number BC-2016-02123 in Executive Session on 11 Sep 18:

, Panel Chair
	, Panel Member
	, Panel Member

All members voted not to correct the record.  The panel considered the following:

Exhibit A:  Application, DD Form 149, w/atchs, dated 10 May 16.
Exhibit B:  Documentary evidence, including relevant excerpts from official records.
Exhibit C:  Advisory opinion, SAF Mental Health Consultant, dated 24 Jul 18.
Exhibit D:  Notification of Advisory, SAF/MRBC to applicant, dated 9 Aug 18.

Taken together with all Exhibits, this document constitutes the true and complete Record of Proceedings required by AFI 36-2603, paragraph 4.11.9.