MEMORANDUM OF CONSIDERATION

	IN THE CASE OF:  .
	.

	BOARD DATE:  12 December 2000
	DOCKET NUMBER:  AR2000044056

	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. Carl W. S. Chun		Director	
	Ms. Joyce A. Wright		Analyst	

  The following members, a quorum, were present:

	Mr. Fred N. Eichorn		Chairperson	
	Mr. Harry B. Oberg		Member	
	Ms. Lana E. McGlynn		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 his discharge under honorable conditions be upgraded to honorable.

APPLICANT STATES:  In effect, that he was depressed and mentally sick when discharged and that he was not aware of his bipolar disorder.  He also states that he was treated unfairly and that his martial problems destroyed his whole life.  He goes on to state that he would like to present God with an honorable discharge.  In support of his application he submits a copy of his DD Form 214 (Report of Transfer or Discharge) and medical documentation.

EVIDENCE OF RECORD:  The applicant's military records were destroyed or lost during the National Personnel Records Center fire of 1973.  Records available to the Board were obtained from alternate sources and show the applicant initially enlisted in the Puerto Rico Army National Guard (PRARNG) on 31 January 1965 and was ordered to active duty for training (ADT) on 9 June 1965.  He was released from ADT on 22 October 1965 and returned to control of the PRARNG to complete his remaining service obligation.  On 27 September 1967 he was inducted in the Regular Army and was trained as an infantryman.
He served in Vietnam from 10 July 1968 to 9 July 1969.

The applicant provided a copy of his Standard Form 89 (Report of Medical History), dated 29 January 1971.  The applicant listed his health as good.  The doctor noticed the applicant’s complaints of headaches and nervousness; however, there is no evidence of a bipolar disorder.

The facts and circumstances surrounding the applicant’s discharge are not contained in the available records.  However, the applicant’s DD Form 214
shows he was discharged under honorable conditions on 6 February 1971 under the provisions of Army Regulation 600-200, at his expiration of term of service (ETS). 

The applicant’s military medical records are unavailable for review by this Board.

Medical evidence of record provided by the applicant shows that his bipolar disorder was ruled out, with mixed depressed type and that he was diagnosed with hypercholesterolemia (high blood cholesterol) and angina pectoris (latin for squeezing of the chest/chest pain).

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 Board notes the applicant’s contention that he was depressed and mentally sick when discharged and that he was not aware of his bipolar disorder.
However, the Board notes that his medical records were unavailable for review,
that there is no evidence to show that he was depressed and mentally sick when discharged and there is no evidence to show that his discharge was unjust and should be upgraded.  

2.  The Board also notes that the applicant provided evidence after his discharge which shows that the bipolar disorder, mixed depressed type was ruled out and that he was diagnosed with high blood cholesterol and chest pain.  However, competent medical authorities determined that the applicant was in good health and medically fit for separation.  Accordingly, he was separated from active duty not as a result of a medical condition.

3.  In the absence of evidence to the contrary, it must be presumed that the applicant’s separation was administratively correct and in conformance with applicable regulations.

4.  In order to justify correction of a military record the applicant must show to the satisfaction of the Board, or it must otherwise satisfactorily appear, that the record is in error or unjust.  The applicant has failed to submit evidence that would satisfy this requirement.

5.  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

__fe____  ___ho___  ___lm___  DENY APPLICATION

		    Carl W. S. Chun
		    Director, Army Board for Correction
    of Military Records

INDEX

CASE ID	AR2000044056	
SUFFIX		
RECON	YYYYMMDD	
DATE BOARDED	20001212	
TYPE OF DISCHARGE	GD	
DATE OF DISCHARGE	19710206	
DISCHARGE AUTHORITY	AR .  .  .  .  .  	
DISCHARGE REASON		
BOARD DECISION	DENY	
REVIEW AUTHORITY		
ISSUES         1.  189		
2.		
3.		
4.		
5.		
6.