RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2016-02334
	COUNSEL: 

	HEARING: YES

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

1.  Her DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, item 14 (Military Education) reflect Information Technology Fundamentals Maintenance – ADMINISTRATIVELY CORRECTED.

2.  Her narrative reason for separation (Adjustment Disorder) and corresponding separation code be changed to “Miscellaneous Reasons” or changed to not reflect a separation for a medical issue so that she may reenter the military.  .

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

She was misdiagnosed.  She was referred to mental health as part of the reclassification process and was sent to a mental facility for a week against her will.  She was discharged due to the diagnosis of high stress levels from failing a training course.  She desires to reenter the military but cannot due to the code and narrative.  The applicant’s complete submission is at Exhibit A.

STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant is a former Air Force airman first class.

On 8 Feb 13, the applicant was notified by her commander of her intent to recommend that she be discharged from the Air Force under the provisions of AFPD 36-32 and AFI 36-3208.  Specifically, on 16 Jan 13, the applicant presented to the Student Mental Health Clinic, and during a reclassification clearance meeting, she stated that she had been thinking about suicide and had some pills that she considered taking.  The applicant was admitted to the hospital and was diagnosed with Mental Disorders - Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood.  It was determined that this condition was severe enough that her ability to function in the military was significantly impaired and did not meet retention standards for continued military service.  Furthermore, the commander indicated that between 18 Dec 12 and 10 Jan 13, on two separate occasions, the applicant failed her Block II, Unit 4 examinations scoring 67 percent and 57 percent respectively.  The applicant was academically eliminated from the Airfield Systems Apprentice Course effective 31 Jan 13.  

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

AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DP2STM recommends denying the applicant’s request to change the narrative reason and Separation Program Designator code.  The discharge was consistent with the procedural and substantive requirements of the discharge instruction and was within the discretion of the discharge authority.  There is no error or injustice reflected in the record.  The complete advisory is at Exhibit C.

The AFBCMR Psychiatric Advisor recommends denying the application.  The applicant did not function well at the time of stress and returning her to the military possesses uncertain risks of recurrence of mental health illness when she is confronted with stressors beyond her span of control; particularly under operational conditions confronted by all Military Departments, regardless of Service component or career field.  The complete advisory is at Exhibit D.

APPLICANT’S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The Board sent a copy of the Air Force evaluation to the applicant on 27 Apr 18 for comment (Exhibit E), but has received no response.

THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT:

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 and injustice.  The Board concurs with the rationale and recommendation of AFPC/DP2STM and the AFBCMR Psychiatric Advisor and find 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 THAT:

The applicant be informed 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-2016-02334 in Executive Session on 30 May 18:

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

Exhibit A:	Application, DD Form 149, w/atchs, dated 6 Jun 16.
Exhibit B:	Documentary evidence, including excerpts from official records.
Exhibit C:	Advisory opinion, AFPC/DP2STM, dated 8 Dec 16.
Exhibit D:	Advisory opinion, AFBCMR Psychiatric Advisor, dated 29 Mar 18.
Exhibit E:	Notification of Advisories, SAF/MRBC to applicant, dated 27 Apr 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.