IN THE CASE OF:	 

		BOARD DATE:	      8 January 2014

		DOCKET NUMBER:  AR20130021019 


THE BOARD CONSIDERED THE FOLLOWING EVIDENCE:

1.  Application for correction of military records (with supporting documents provided, if any).

2.  Military Personnel Records and advisory opinions (if any).


THE APPLICANT'S REQUEST, STATEMENT, AND EVIDENCE:

1.  The applicant requests a review of the military disability evaluation pertaining to a mental health (MH) condition.

2.  The applicant states, in effect, the case file should be reviewed in accordance with the Secretary of Defense directive for a comprehensive review of members who were referred for a disability evaluation between 11 September 2001 and 
30 April 2012 and whose MH diagnosis was changed during that process.

3.  The applicant submitted an application through the DOD Physical Disability Board of Review (PDBR) Mental Health Special Review Panel (SRP).

CONSIDERATION OF EVIDENCE:

1.  The PDBR SRP conducted a comprehensive review of the applicant’s submissions and records for evidence of inappropriate changes in the diagnosis of a MH condition during processing through the military disability system.

2.  The Department of Defense memorandum, dated 27 February 2013, directed the Service Secretaries to conduct a review of mental health diagnoses for service members completing a disability evaluation process between 11 September 2001 and 30 April 2012 in order to determine if service members were disadvantaged by a changed diagnosis over the course of their physical disability process.


3.  In the processing of this case, an advisory opinion was obtained from the PDBR SRP and the applicant was provided a copy.

4.  The applicant did not respond to the advisory opinion.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS:

1.  After a comprehensive review of the applicant’s case, the SRP determined by unanimous vote that there be no change of the applicant's disability and medical retirement determination.

2.  The SRP considered the records for evidence of inappropriate changes in diagnosis of the MH condition during processing through the Disability Evaluation System (DES).  The evidence of the available records showed diagnoses of major depressive disorder (MDD), recurrent, with psychotic features, bulimia nervosa and Post traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).  The SRP acknowledged the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) diagnosis had not been included in the Medical Evaluation Board (MEB); however, the SRP agreed there were no inappropriate changes in diagnoses at Temporary Disability Retired List (TDRL) placement or exit.  The SRP determined that MH diagnoses were not changed or deleted to the applicant's possible disadvantage in the disability evaluation.  Therefore, the applicant did not meet the inclusion criteria in the Terms of Reference of the MH Review Project.

3.  The SRP also agreed that Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) adjudication of unfitting MDD was supported by the evidence.  Additionally, the SRP considered the record in evidence best supported the 30 percent rating for TDRL entry and there was insufficient evidence for recommending a 50 percent TDRL entry rating.

4.  After due deliberation in consideration of the preponderance of the evidence, the SRP concluded that there was insufficient cause to recommend a change in the PEB adjudication for the applicant's MH conditions at TDRL entry or permanent retirement.

5.  The available evidence shows the SRP’s assessment should be accepted.


BOARD VOTE:

________  ________  ________  GRANT FULL RELIEF 

________  ________  ________  GRANT PARTIAL RELIEF 

________  ________  ________  GRANT FORMAL HEARING

___X____  ___X____  ___X____  DENY APPLICATION

BOARD DETERMINATION/RECOMMENDATION:

The evidence presented does not demonstrate the existence of a probable error or injustice.  Therefore, the Board determined that the overall merits of this case are insufficient as a basis for correction of the records of the individual concerned.



      __________X			___
               CHAIRPERSON
      
I certify that herein is recorded the true and complete record of the proceedings of the Army Board for Correction of Military Records in this case.

ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont)                                         AR20040003532



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ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont)                                  AR20130021019



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