RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2005-00107
		INDEX CODE:  110.02

	XXXXXXX	COUNSEL:  NONE

	XXXXXXX	HEARING DESIRED: YES

MANDATORY CASE COMPLETION DATE:  11 JUL 2006

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His reenlistment eligibility (RE) code of 4C (separated - failure to meet physical standards for enlistment…), issued in conjunction with his uncharacterized discharge, be changed to an RE code of 3K.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

It is medically documented that he has no symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).  He recently met all the necessary qualifications to obtain an RE waiver, only to be told that he needs an RE code of “3K.”

His diagnosis of “Probable Irritable Bowel Syndrome” is incorrect.

In support of his appeal, applicant submitted a letter of recommendation, dated 7 Oct 04; copies of a physical examination from his civilian physician, his summary of events for prior enlistment, and a copy of his birth certificate.

Applicant’s complete submission is at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

Applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force on 31 May 95 for a period of four years.

On 12 Jul 95, the squadron commander initiated administrative discharge action against the applicant for erroneous enlistment.  The reason for the proposed action was that a medical evaluation board found that the applicant did not meet the minimum medical standards to join the Air Force.  The applicant should not have been allowed to enlist in the Air Force because of probable irritable bowel syndrome, interfering with training.  The commander recommended the applicant be given an entry-level separation.  On that same date, applicant acknowledged receipt of the discharge notification.  He waived his right to consult counsel and to submit statements in his own behalf.  He also acknowledged his understanding of the reasons for his discharge, and that he would not be entitled to any disability, retirement, or severance pay.  On that same date, the discharge authority approved the entry-level separation with service uncharacterized.

The applicant received an uncharacterized entry-level separation on 17 Jul 95, by reason of “failed medical/physical procurement standards,” and was issued an RE code of 4C.  He was credited with 1 month and 17 days of active duty service.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The AFBCMR Medical Consultant states that the applicant was administratively discharged with an entry level separation on 17 Jul 95 for failed medical/physical procurement standards after 1 month and 17 days on active duty.  He now requests a change of his reenlistment code so that he may reenlist contending the diagnosis was in error or the problem has resolved.

Applicant began basic military training (BMT) and after completing one week of training, was hospitalized 6 - 12 Jun 95 for abdominal pain for which no cause could be found after appropriate medical evaluation.  He was returned to training status on 15 Jun 95.  On 16 Jun 95, he presented for recurrent abdominal pain and was again hospitalized until 22 Jun 95.  Hospital evaluation again disclosed no medical cause for his pain and his physicians felt his abdominal pain was physical manifestation of his response to stress, probably the syndrome called irritable bowel syndrome.  Because of the recurring nature of psychological stress-induced abdominal pain interfering with training, he was removed from training and placed in the medical hold squadron for medical evaluation board.  

While awaiting completion of this process, he was referred for a mental health consultation.  The report rendered diagnoses of adjustment disorder with depressed mood and Psychological Factors Affecting Medical Condition.  The medical evaluation board concluded his symptoms of probable irritable bowel syndrome were due to his underlying coping skills and stress responses and did not merit disability discharge.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a gastrointestinal syndrome characterized by chronic abdominal pain, altered bowel habits and other gastrointestinal symptoms in the absence of any disease or organic cause.  Severity of symptoms varies widely from individual to individual affected by the condition and emotional stress frequently exacerbates the symptoms.  He denies experiencing symptoms since shortly after his discharge casting doubt on the diagnosis.  A normal physical examination and laboratory results do not exclude this diagnosis and in fact are required to be normal in order to render this diagnosis.

Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood results from identifiable stressors that overcome the individual’s ability to cope.  Adjustment Disorder is characterized by marked psychological distress in response to identifiable stressors that overcome the individual’s ability to cope and is frequently associated with significant impairment in social and occupational functioning.  The emotional and behavioral responses may be in excess of what would normally be expected given the nature of the stressors.  Manifestations can include depressed mood, anxiety, and disturbances of conduct.  Some individuals may express emotional distress as physical complaints such as headaches, abdominal pain or back pain.  Psychological testing indicated the applicant had the tendency to manifest psychological distress as physical symptoms.  One of the key features of Adjustment Disorder is that the condition resolves with relief of the stressors and this appears to be the case for the applicant.  Individuals who develop Adjustment Disorder due to the stress of routine rigors of military service with or without concomitant personal issues are not suited for military service and are subject to administrative discharge by their commander.  At the time of the mental health evaluation, the applicant was already pending discharge for his abdominal pain however evidence of the record indicates that his Adjustment Disorder was of sufficient severity to warrant discharge on the basis of unsuitability.

The fact that he is functioning well at this time at home confirms his diagnosis of adjustment disorder and stress-induced abdominal pain interfering with training, however it does not predict that he will respond well to the stresses of military operations, deployment, or combat when he is separated from his familiar surroundings and usual support system of family and friends.  His past experience, even 10 years previously, is predictive of an increased risk for recurrence of symptoms if re-exposed to the rigors of military training and service.  Action and disposition in this case are proper and equitable reflecting compliance with Air Force directives that implement the law.  It is his opinion that no change in the records is warranted.

A complete copy of the evaluation is at Exhibit C.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 18 May 05 for review and comment within 30 days.  As of this date, no response has been received by this office (Exhibit D).

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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 not timely filed; however, it is in the interest of justice to excuse the failure to timely file.

3.  Insufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of an error or injustice.  Applicant’s contentions are duly noted; however, we are not persuaded that he has been the victim of an error or injustice.  At the time members are separated from the Air Force, they are furnished an RE code predicated upon the quality of their service and the circumstances of their separation.  Applicant’s RE code of 4C accurately reflects that he failed to meet physical standards for enlistment.  The applicant’s case has undergone an exhaustive review by the BCMR Medical Consultant and we find nothing in the evidence provided by the applicant that would overcome his assessment of the case.  After a thorough review of the evidence of record, we believe that given the circumstances surrounding the applicant’s separation, the RE code issued was in accordance with the governing directives.  Therefore, in the absence of persuasive evidence to the contrary, we find no compelling basis to recommend granting the relief sought in this application.

4.  The applicant's case is adequately documented and it has not been shown that a personal appearance with or without counsel will materially add to our understanding of the issue involved.  Therefore, the request for a hearing is not favorably considered.

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THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT:

The applicant be notified that the evidence presented did not demonstrate the existence of material error or injustice; that the application was denied without a personal appearance; and that 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-2005-00107 in Executive Session on 23 June 2005, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

	Chair
	Member
	Member

The following documentary evidence was considered:

    Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 3 Jan 05, w/atchs. 
    Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
    Exhibit C.  Letter, AFBCMR Medical Consultant, dated 17 May 05.
    Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 18 May 05.

                                   
                                   Chair