RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2008-03986 INDEX CODE: 112.10 COUNSEL: NO HEARING DESIRED: NO __________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: 1. His narrative reason for separation “Personality Disorder” be changed to “Hardship.” 2. His reentry (RE) code of "2C" which denotes “Involuntarily separated with an honorable discharge; or entry level separation without characterization of service, on his DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty” be changed to “1.” _________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: His “Personality Disorder” diagnosis was inaccurate. He should have been diagnosed with a “Hardship” due to his wife’s illness. He was depressed and under pressure at the time. Changing his narrative reason for separation and his RE code will allow him to enter the Air Force Reserves. Since his discharge from the Air Force he has volunteered with several organizations, graduated from college and encouraged three others to join the Reserves. In support of his request, applicant submits a personal letter, copies of his SF Form 513, Medical Record Consultation Sheet; his marriage certificate/license, character reference letters, DD Form 214, drivers’ license and certificates of accomplishment/excellence. His complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A. _________________________________________________________________ STATEMENT OF FACTS: The applicant enlisted in the Air Force on 1 November 2000 in the security forces career field in the grade of airman basic. On 9 March 2001, he was notified by his commander that he was recommending his discharge from the Air Force under the provisions of AFPD 36-32, Military Retirements and Separations and AFI 36-3208, Administrative Separation of Airmen, paragraph 5.11.1, Conditions that Interfere with Military Service. The specific reason for this action was that on 7 February 2001, he was seen by the Behavioral Analysis Service and diagnosed with Axis I, Alcohol Dependence Occupational Problem (dislikes being in military service). He was advised the diagnoses did not meet the retention standards for continued military service and his ability to function in the military was significantly impaired. On 9 March 2001, he acknowledged his right to consult counsel and submit statements in his own behalf. On 12 Mar 2001, the base legal office determined the discharge was legally sufficient. On 15 March 2001, he was discharged with an entry level separation for “Conditions that Interfere with Military Service, Mental Disorders.” He completed 4 months and 15 days on active duty. _________________________________________________________________ AIR FORCE EVALUATION: AFPC/DPSOA recommends denial. DPSOA states a review of the applicant’s records reveals the applicant was diagnosed with an Alcohol Dependence Occupational Problem and stated he had no desire for alcohol treatment. The diagnosis stated he did not have a severe mental disorder; however, it identified a lifelong standing of maladaptive responses to personal and work related stressors, manifesting in disorder of character and behavior. On 13 March 2001, the commander directed he be discharged with an entry level separation. He requested a RE code change; however, “2C” is the only authorized code per AFI 36-2606, Reenlistment in the United States Air Force. DPSOA supports a change of narrative reason if it is deemed appropriate. The complete DPSOA evaluation is at Exhibit C. AFPC/DPSOS recommends partial relief. DPSOS states the applicant's diagnosis was for an Alcohol Dependence Occupational Problem (dislikes being in military service) and not a “Personality Disorder” as reflected on his DD Form 214. The diagnosis of Alcohol Dependence Occupational Problem formed a basis for separation under AFI 36-3208, but did not fall under the purview of the disability evaluation system. The applicant contends he should have been diagnosed with a “Hardship.” Although DPSOS concedes he may have been experiencing difficulty as a result of his wife's medical condition and family separation, it does not invalidate or otherwise affect the diagnoses or the basis of his subsequent discharge from the Air Force. However, as noted above, the separation code and narrative reason for separation entered on his DD Form 214 is in error and should reflect "JFV" and "Conditions Not a Disability" respectively. DPSOS does not recommend a change to his RE code. The complete DPSOS evaluation is at Exhibit D. _________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION: Copies of the Air Force evaluations were forwarded to the applicant on 20 March 2009 for review and comment within 30 days. As of this date, this office has received no response (Exhibit E). _________________________________________________________________ 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. Sufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of an error or injustice warranting partial relief. After a thorough review of the evidence and the applicant’s complete submission, we agree with the opinion and recommendation of DPSOS that the narrative reason for separation and his separation code are in error and should be changed. Therefore, we recommend his records be corrected as indicated below. We are not inclined to favorably consider a change to his RE code. The record clearly establishes that due to his Alcohol Dependence Occupational Problem, he experienced difficulties while in the service. We have seen no evidence that would lead us to believe he would now be able to successfully function in the military environment or that he would be able to comply with the demands of military necessity if a similar situation occurred. Accordingly, it is our opinion that the applicant’s records should be corrected only to the extent indicated below. ________________________________________________________________ THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT: The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to APPLICANT, be corrected to show that on 15 March 2001, he was discharged under the provisions of AFI 36-3208, paragraph 5.11, (Conditions Not a Disability) with a Separation Program Designator (SPD) code of JFV. ________________________________________________________________ The following members of the Board considered Docket Number BC- 2008-03986 in Executive Session on 3 June 2009, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603: The following documentary evidence pertaining to BC-2008-03986 was considered: Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 29 October 2008, w/atchs. Exhibit B. Master Military Personnel Records. Exhibit C. Letter, AFPC/DPSOA, dated 4 December 2008. Exhibit D Letter, AFPC/DPSOS, dated 13 February 2009. Exhibit E. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 20 March 2009.