ADDENDUM TO RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2010-04037

XXXXXXXXXX	COUNSEL: NONE

	HEARING: NO

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

The Board reconsider her amended request to change her narrative reason for separation from mental disorder [sic] to hardship.

RESUME OF THE CASE:

On 18 August 2011, the Board considered and denied the applicant’s request to change her uncharacterized discharge to honorable.  The Board determined that the applicant had provided insufficient evidence of an error or injustice to justify relief.  AFPC/DPSOS informed the Board that the applicant’s narrative reason for separation was incorrectly annotated on her DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty.  Therefore, “Mental Disorder” would be administratively corrected to reflect “Adjustment Disorder.”  The applicant was notified of the correction on 26 October 2011, and was provided a copy of the corrected DD Form 214.

For an accounting of the applicant’s original request and the rationale of the earlier decision, see the AFBCMR Letter and Record of Proceedings at Exhibit E.

On 1 October 2015, the applicant requested reconsideration of her amended request to change her narrative reason for separation to hardship, so she can reenter military service.  She contended that she does not have a mental disorder and her narrative reason should be changed to hardship.  In support of her request, the applicant provided evidence from a licensed psychologist who determined that according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, she does not have a mental disorder.  The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit F.

AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The BCMR Psychiatric Advisor recommends changing the applicant’s narrative reason for separation.  The applicant appropriately received an entry-level separation with uncharacterized service due to her brief period of active duty service.  Since her separation from the Air Force, the applicant has continued her education, raised two children and has required no further mental health assistance.  Considering the applicant’s exemplary lifestyle since leaving the service and the brevity of her time in the military, it is recommended the Board change her narrative reason for separation to “Secretarial Authority.”  The recommendation does not alter the fact that the applicant had a difficult time adjusting to the military with extenuating pressures; however, the change would relieve her of the burden of having “Adjustment Disorder” as her narrative reason for separation.  The complete advisory is at Exhibit G.
APPLICANT’S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The Board sent a copy of the Air Force evaluation to the applicant on 18 July 2018, for comment (Exhibit H), and the applicant replied on 2 August 2018.  She concurs with the BCMR Psychiatric Advisor’s assessment that she should not have to suffer the burden of being labeled with an adjustment disorder. She earned her master’s degree in social work, and she is temporarily employed as a counselor while pursuing licensure.  The narrative reason for separation reflected on her DD Form 214 will affect her ability to work as a licensed clinical social worker.  In support of her request, the applicant provides employment verification and evidence that she is pursuing clinical social work licensure.  The applicant’s complete response, with attachments, is at Exhibit I.

THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT:

After reviewing all Exhibits, the Board concludes the applicant has presented evidence sufficient to demonstrate an injustice regarding part, but not all, of her request.  The Board concurs with the rationale and recommendation of the BCMR Psychiatric Advisor and finds that a preponderance of the evidence substantiates the applicant’s contentions.  However, the applicant did not provide sufficient evidence to demonstrate that her narrative reason for separation should be changed to hardship.  Therefore, the Board recommends the applicant’s records be corrected as 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 19 October 2010, she was discharged with a separation code and corresponding narrative reason for separation of JFF (Secretarial Authority).

However, regarding the remainder of the applicant’s request, the Board recommends the applicant be informed the evidence did not demonstrate material error or injustice and the application could only be reconsidered upon receipt of relevant evidence not already considered by the Board.

CERTIFICATION:

The following quorum of the Board, as defined in Air Force Instruction (AFI) 36-2603, Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records (AFBCMR), paragraph 1.5, considered Docket Number BC-2010-04037-2 in Executive Session on 6 September 2018:

, Panel Chair
, Panel Member
, Panel Member

All members voted to correct the record.  The panel considered the following:

Exhibit E:	Record of Proceedings, w/ Exhibits A-D, dated 11 October 2011.
Exhibit F:	Application, DD Form 149, w/atchs, dated 1 October 2015.
Exhibit G:	Documentary evidence, including relevant excerpts from official records.
Exhibit H:	Advisory opinion, BCMR Psychiatric Advisor, dated 12 February 2018. 
Exhibit I:	Notification of Advisory, SAF/MRBC to applicant, dated 18 July 2018.
Exhibit J:	Applicant’s response, w/atchs, dated 2 August 2018.

Taken together with all Exhibits, this document constitutes the true and complete Record of Proceedings required by AFI 36-2603, paragraph 4.11.9.