IN THE CASE OF: BOARD DATE: 12 March 2014 DOCKET NUMBER: AR20140002323 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 separation determination. 2. The SRP considered the appropriateness of changes in the applicant's MH (MH) diagnoses; physical evaluation board (PEB) fitness determination; and, if unfitting, whether the provisions of Department of Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD), section 4.129, were applicable; and a disability rating recommendation in accordance with VASRD, section 4.130. 3. The SRP noted the referred diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was adjudicated by the medical evaluation board (MEB) and PEB as not unfitting. Therefore, the applicant did not meet the inclusion criteria in the Terms of Reference of the MH review project. 4. The SRP noted the variance in diagnosis between the PEB and the VA and concurred with the explanatory Memorandum of Diagnostic Variance. The SRP considered whether any mental condition, regardless of specific diagnosis, was unfitting for continued military service. 5. The SRP agreed the evidence of record reflected minimal MH-related symptoms and the applicant's MH condition appeared well controlled with treatment at the time of separation. There was no indication from the applicant's record that any MH condition significantly interfered with satisfactory duty performance at the time of separation. 6. 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 Integrated Disability Evaluation System or prior to his separation and that VASRD, section 4.130 and section 4.129, did not apply. 7. 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 3 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 1 ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20140002323 3 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 1