RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2004-02303
		INDEX CODE:  112.00

		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

MANDATORY CASE COMPLETION DATE:  27 JANUARY 2006

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

Her Reenlistment Eligibility (RE) code of 2Q be changed to a code of 1 or 3.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

She is requesting a change in her RE code so that she may enlist in the Air Force Reserves.

Applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

On 23 April 1997 the applicant enlisted in the United States Army Reserves and on 31 October 1997 she was discharged with uncharacterized service under the provisions of AR 635-200, Chapter 11, Entry-Level Performance and Conduct.  She served 6 months and 8 days of total active service.

During the time period in question, on 9 August 2000, the applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force in the grade of airman basic.

SF 93, Report of Medical Examination, dated 10 March 2000, reflects the applicant checked no to question 16, “Have you ever been treated for a mental condition?” and question 21, “Have you consulted or been treated by clinics, physicians, healers or other practitioners within the past five years for other than minor illnesses?”

The 12th Medical Group Behavioral Health Flight, Behavioral Health Clinic, Medical Report, dated 31 July 2001, indicated the applicant presented she had recurrent health problems with anorexia nervosa.  It further indicated prior psychotherapy in 1997 and 1999.

AF Form 618, Medical Board Report, dated 25 October 2001, indicated the applicant was diagnosed with anorexia nervosa and major depressive disorder with psychotic features which existed prior to service (EPTS).  Her case was referred to the Informal Physical Evaluation Board (IPEB).

On 25 October 2001, the commander recommended the applicant be medically discharged immediately.  He indicated due to her medical condition, she could not acceptably perform her assigned duties.

AF Form 356, USAF IPEB Report, dated 2 November 2001, indicated the applicant’s diagnoses were Category I - unfitting conditions which were compensable and ratable:  None.  Category II - Conditions that could be unfitting but are not currently compensable or ratable:  anorexia nervosa associated with major depressive disorder without service aggravation, severe social and industrial adaptability impairment.  Additional findings indicated the applicant was unfit because of physical disability and the degree of impairment was permanent.  The compensable disability percentage rating was 70.  It was recommended she be discharged under other than chapter 61, Title 10 USC (EPTS).  The report further indicated the applicant’s medical condition, which existed prior to service and had not been permanently aggravated through military service, was incompatible with the rigors of military service.  The IPEB found the applicant unfit and recommended she be discharged.  On 7 November 2001, the applicant agreed with the findings and recommended disposition of the PEB and understood she was waiving the right to a formal PEB hearing.

On 7 November 2001, the Secretary of the Air Force directed the applicant be separated from active service for physical disability due to a condition that existed prior to military service.  The applicant was not entitled to any benefits under the provisions of Chapter 61, Title 10, United States Code.

On 20 November 2001, the applicant was honorably discharged in the grade of airman first class under the provisions of AFI 36-3212 - Disability Existed Prior to Service.  She served 1 year, 3 months, and 11 days of total active duty service.  She received an RE code of 2Q - Personnel medically retired or discharged and an SPD code of JFM - Disability Existed Prior to Service, PEB.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The BCMR Medical Consultant recommended denial indicating the applicant was discharged due to an unfitting condition, anorexia nervosa complicated by depression that existed prior to service.  The applicant’s condition was severe, required psychotherapy prior to entering the service and resulted in a requirement for hospitalization while in service.  Eating disorders that are habitual or persistent after the age of 12 are disqualifying for enlistment.  Even though the applicant reports feeling well at this time, her history of recurrent problems with anorexia nervosa, especially in view of the severity of her condition requiring hospitalization, is disqualifying for reenlistment.  Action and disposition in this case are proper and equitable reflecting compliance with Air Force directives that implement the law.  No change in the records is warranted.

The evaluation is at Exhibit C.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

On 25 May 2005, a copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant for review and response within 30 days.  As of this date, no response has been received by this office.

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THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT:

1.	The applicant has exhausted all remedies provided by existing law or regulations.

2.	The application was timely filed.

3.	Insufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of an error or injustice that would warrant a change to the applicant’s RE code.  After a thorough review of the evidence of record we are not persuaded that given the circumstances surrounding her separation from the Air Force, that the RE code should be changed to allow her the opportunity to apply for enlistment in the armed forces.  In this respect, we note the opinion from the BCMR Medical Consultant which indicates the applicant’s condition was so severe that it required psychotherapy prior to entering the service and resulted in a requirement for hospitalization while in the service.  Even though the applicant reports feeling well at this time, her history of recurrent problems with anorexia nervosa, especially in view of the severity of her condition requiring hospitalization, is disqualifying for reenlistment.  While we applaud her efforts to remain healthy, eating disorders such as the applicant’s are disqualifying for enlistment.  Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no compelling basis to recommend granting the relief sought.

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THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT:

The applicant be notified the evidence presented did not demonstrate the existence of an error or an injustice; the application was denied without a personal appearance; and the application will only be reconsidered upon the submission of newly discovered relevant evidence not considered with this application.

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The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2004-02303 in Executive Session on 6 July 2005, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

   Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 20 July 2004, w/atchs.
   Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
   Exhibit C.  Letter, BCMR Medical Consultant,
               dated 18 May 2005.
   Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 25 May 2005.