RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2016-03483

XXXXXXXXX    					COUNSEL: NONE

HEARING: NO

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His honorable discharge (conditions that interfere with military service-not disability character behavior disorder) be changed to a medical discharge (disability, character behavior disorder).

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He did not have character behavior disorder before joining the military, but that is why he was discharged.  The applicant’s complete submission is at Exhibit A.

STATEMENT OF FACTS:

On 19 Nov 85, the applicant initially entered the Regular Air Force.

On 4 Nov 86, the applicant was rendered a referral Airman Performance Report for mediocre performance.

On 5 Dec 86, the applicant received nonjudicial punishment (NJP) for driving a vehicle without a USAF driving permit.

On 22 Apr 87, the applicant received a Letter of Reprimand (LOR) for being in violation of AFR- 35-10.

On 13 Nov 87, the Chief, Mental Health Clinic, RAF Bentwaters, diagnosed the applicant with attention deficit disorder (ADHD), recommending permanent PRP decertification and cross- training to a less complicated career field.

On 5 Jan 88, the applicant was furnished an honorable discharge (character and behavior disorder), having served two years, one month, and seventeen days active service.

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

AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFBCMR Psychiatric Advisor recommends partially granting the application. There is insufficient evidence to warrant the desired change the discharge to a medical retirement. It is very clear that this applicant had learning disabilities that predated his admission to the military and interfered with his ability to perform his duties up to standards. To this applicant’s credit, he was performing to the best of his ability, but unfortunately, he was diagnosed with ADHD, which was viewed as an un-suiting diagnosis. Consequently, he was discharged. The discharge was honorable, because this applicant was clearly doing the best that he could with the demands being made. She opines the applicant’s discharge was most certainly honorable, and there was not a character disorder, so a Narrative Reason for Separation change to “Secretarial Authority,” would be in order. However, her recommendation is to change the Narrative Reason for Separation to “a condition that interfered with military service,” Separation Code (SPD) JFR. 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 26 Jun 18 for comment (Exhibit D), and the applicant replied on 23 Jul 18. In his response, the applicant contended the diagnosis of ADHD makes him look like an idiot. How could someone with ADHD pass the test to get in Air Force? He further contended that a post service DVA diagnosis of diabetes more accurately explains his service issues (blacking out). He argues that the AF clinical psychologist that diagnosed him with ADHD was a racist, and this diagnosis did not address the reasons he had blackouts; that the doctor told him his first diagnosis (not documented in records) was that he was allergic to alcohol. He further discusses post service DVA medical evaluations regarding diabetes and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease. The applicant’s complete response is at Exhibit E.

THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT:

1.	The application was not timely filed, but it is in the interest of justice to excuse the delay.

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

3.	After reviewing all Exhibits, the Board concludes the applicant has presented evidence sufficient to demonstrate an error or injustice regarding part, but not all, of his request.	In particular, we agree and concur with the AFBCMR Psychiatric Advisor there is insufficient evidence to warrant granting the requested relief of a medical discharge or retirement.    However, the Board notes and agrees with the AFBCMR Psychiatric  Advisor  that  the applicant’s discharge was honorable, and there was not a character disorder, warranting the narrative reason for separation with corresponding separation program designator (SPD) code be changed to reflect “Secretarial Authority”.	While  we  note  the AFBCMR Psychiatric Advisor recommended changing  the  narrative reason to “a condition that interfered with military service,” with an SPD code of JFR, the Board finds it proper and fitting to correct the applicant’s records as indicated below.
1.	

THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT:

The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to the APPLICANT be corrected to show that at the time of his discharge on 5 January 1988, his reason for separation was “SECRETARIAL AUTHORITY,” with a Separation Program Designator (SPD) code of “JFF.”

However, regarding the remainder of the applicant’s request, the Board recommends the applicant be informed the evidence did not demonstrate material error or injustice and the application could only be reconsidered upon receipt of relevant evidence not already considered by the Board.

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-2016-03483 in Executive Session on 14 Aug 18:

, Panel Chair
, Panel Member
, Panel Member
All members voted to correct the record. The panel considered the following: Exhibit A: Application, DD Form 149, w/atchs, dated 22 Aug 16.
Exhibit B: Documentary evidence, including relevant excerpts from official records. Exhibit C: Advisory opinion, AFBCMR Psychiatric Advisor, dated 4 May 18.
Exhibit D: Notification of Advisory, SAF/MRBC to applicant, dated 26 Jun 18. Exhibit E:  Applicant’s response, dated 23 Jul 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.