IN THE CASE OF

		BOARD DATE:	    9 July 2014

		DOCKET NUMBER:  AR20140004240 


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 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 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 diagnoses, physical evaluation board (PEB) fitness determination, and a disability rating recommendation in accordance with Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities, section 4.130.  The SRP reviewed the records for evidence of inappropriate changes in diagnosis of the applicant's MH condition during processing through the military Disability Evaluation System (DES).

3.  The SRP noted the available evidence of record shows that diagnoses of the applicant's adjustment disorder and alcohol dependence were rendered.  During processing through the military DES, no changes in these diagnoses were made at any time.  The SRP verified that no MH diagnoses were changed 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.

4.  The SRP next considered whether the applicant's mental condition was unfitting for his continued military service.  The SRP agreed that the evidence of record reflected minimal occupational and social impairment in the period of time leading into the applicant's medical evaluation board and therefore concluded his MH conditions were not unfitting at the time of separation and not subject to service disability rating.

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 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)                                  AR20140004240



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