MEMORANDUM OF CONSIDERATION

	IN THE CASE OF:   

	BOARD DATE:           03 February 1999                   
	DOCKET NUMBER:   AC98-08456
                                              AR1998014393

	I certify that hereinafter is recorded the record of consideration of the Army Board for Correction of Military Records in the case of the above-named individual.

	Mr. Loren G. Harrell		Director	
	Mr. Michael L. Engle		Analyst	

  The following members, a quorum, were present:

	Mr. Samuel A. Crumpler		Chairperson	
	Mr. Fred K. McCoy		Member	
	Mr. Mark D. Manning		Member	

	The Board, established pursuant to authority contained in 10 U.S.C. 1552, convened at the call of the Chairperson on the above date.  In accordance with Army Regulation 15-185, the application and the available military records pertinent to the corrective action requested were reviewed to determine whether to authorize a formal hearing, recommend that the records be corrected without a formal hearing, or to deny the application without a formal hearing if it is determined that insufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of probable material error or injustice.

	The applicant requests correction of military records as stated in the application to the Board and as restated herein.

	The Board considered the following evidence:

	Exhibit A - Application for correction of military 
                records
	Exhibit B - Military Personnel Records (including
	            advisory opinion, if any)

APPLICANT REQUESTS:  In effect, that the reason for his honorable discharge
be changed from personality disorder to manic depression.

APPLICANT STATES:  That he feels the doctor misdiagnosed his condition as a personality disorder rather than as manic depression.  In support of his application he provides an extract from the American Journal of Psychiatry.

EVIDENCE OF RECORD:  The applicant's military records show:

He enlisted in the Army on 26 August 1983 for 3 years.  He successfully completed his initial training and the basic airborne course.  The applicant was assigned to the Federal Republic of Germany for duty as an infantryman (11B).  He attained the rank of corporal (E-4) on 1 September 1984.

On 15 July 1985 the applicant reenlisted in the Army for 6 years.

On 9 January 1986 the applicant received nonjudicial punishment under the provisions of Article 15, Uniform Code of Military Justice for AWOL (2 days).  The punishment included a reduction to private first class (suspended), 14 days restriction (suspended) and 14 days extra duty.

On 23 July 1986 the applicant was referred by his commander for psychological evaluation and management recommendations.  The psychologist found no evidence of mental defect, emotional illness, or psychiatric disorder of sufficient severity to warrant disposition through military medical channels.

On 30 September 1986 the applicant underwent psychiatric evaluation.  He was diagnosed with a personality disorder meeting the requirements for discharge in accordance with Army Regulation 635-200, paragraph 5-13.

On 25 September 1986 the applicant’s commander initiated a recommendation to separate him from the military service under the provisions of Army Regulation 635-200, chapter 5 for a personality disorder.  The commander cited that the applicant had attempted suicide which implied that he had serious adjustment and behavior problems.  Further, the commander stated that the applicant lacked potential for retention and his continued service would adversely affect the unit’s discipline, good order, and morale.

The applicant acknowledged receipt of the separation action and of his right to consult with counsel prior to making any election of rights.  He declined legal counsel and did not make a statement in his own behalf.

On 7 October 1986 the appropriate authority approved the recommendation for discharge and directed that he be issued an Honorable Discharge Certificate.
Accordingly, he was honorably discharged on 27 October 1986.  He completed 3 years and 2 months of creditable active service.

Army Regulation 635-200 sets forth the basic authority for the separation of enlisted personnel.  Chapter 5 of that regulation provides, in pertinent part, for the separation of personnel because of personality disorder.  It also provides that a soldier may be separated for a personality disorder that interferes with assignment to or performance of duty, when so diagnosed by a physician trained in psychiatry.

DISCUSSION:  Considering all the evidence, allegations, and information presented by the applicant, together with the evidence of record, applicable law and regulations, it is concluded:

1.  The applicant’s administrative separation was accomplished in compliance with applicable regulations with no indication of procedural errors which would tend to jeopardize his rights.

2.  There is no evidence of record, nor has the applicant provided any substantiating evidence to support his contention that either the psychologist or the psychiatrist misdiagnosed his mental condition.

3.  In view of the foregoing, there is no basis for granting the applicant's request.

DETERMINATION:  The applicant has failed to submit sufficient relevant evidence to demonstrate the existence of probable error or injustice.

BOARD VOTE:

________  ________  ________  GRANT

________  ________  ________  GRANT FORMAL HEARING

____X____  __X______  _____X___  DENY APPLICATION

						Loren G. Harrell
						Director

INDEX

CASE ID	AC98-08456	
SUFFIX		
RECON	YYYYMMDD	
DATE BOARDED	1999.02.03	
TYPE OF DISCHARGE	(HD, GD, UOTHC, UD, BCD, DD)	
DATE OF DISCHARGE	YYYYMMDD	
DISCHARGE AUTHORITY	AR .  .  .  .  .  	
DISCHARGE REASON		
BOARD DECISION	DENY	
REVIEW AUTHORITY		
ISSUES         1.	108.00	
2.	108.01	
3.		
4.		
5.		
6.