IN THE CASE OF:	

		BOARD DATE:	   12 March 2014 

		DOCKET NUMBER:  AR20140002321 


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 Department of Defense (DOD) Physical Disability Board of Review (PDBR) MH 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 an MH condition during processing through the military disability system.

2.  The DOD memorandum, dated 27 February 2013, directed the Service Secretaries to conduct a review of MH diagnoses for service members completing a disability evaluation process between 11 September 2001 and 30 April 2012 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 should be no change to the applicant's disability and retirement determination.

2.  The SRP reviewed the records for evidence of changes in or elimination of diagnoses of MH conditions that may have been to the applicant's disadvantage during the military Disability Evaluation System (DES) process.

3.  The SRP noted the available evidence of record shows that depressive disorder (not otherwise specified) was the only diagnosis rendered.  There were no MH diagnoses changed to the applicant's possible disadvantage during the process.  Therefore, the applicant did not meet the inclusion criteria in the Terms of Reference of the MH review project.

4.  The SRP also considered whether any mental condition, regardless of specific diagnosis, was unfitting for continued military service.  The SRP unanimously agreed that the evidence in the applicant's records reflected minimal MH-related symptoms and treatment.  The SRP noted there was no evidence of psychotropic medication use in the 36 months prior to separation.  The applicant's last recorded MH treatment was in August 2007, approximately 3 years prior to his separation.

5.  After due deliberation in consideration of the preponderance of the evidence, the SRP concluded the evidence did not support an unfit determination for any MH disorder at the time of the applicant's evaluation in the DES or prior to his separation and, therefore, none were subject to a disability rating.

6.  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 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)                                  AR20140002321



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