RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2012-03017 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: NO ________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: Her Reentry (RE) code of 2C (involuntarily separated with an honorable discharge; or entry level separation without characterization of service) be changed to an eligible code. ________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: She has been working with the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) and they feel her narrative reason for separation is incorrect. She was diagnosed with depression and at the time of her discharge was struggling with a lot of stressors (relocating, toddler, pregnancy, deployment, marriage, etc). She now realizes she made a mistake by not questioning the items on her DD Form 214 and how it would affect her future opportunities. She would really like to reenlist in the Air Force and finish what she started. The applicant’s complete submission, with attachment, is at Exhibit A. ________________________________________________________________ STATEMENT OF FACTS: The applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force, on 14 Nov 96, for a period of four years; she reenlisted on 7 Nov 00. On 16 Aug 01, the applicant was diagnosed with Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood, Occupational Problem, and Partner Relational Problem. The mental health provider determined that due to her condition, her ability to function effectively was significantly impaired and would most likely get more severe if she was not separated. On 10 Nov 01, the applicant was honorably discharged by reason of “Personality Disorder,” and was issued an RE code of 2C. She was credited with 4 years, 11 months, and 27 days of active duty service. ________________________________________________________________ THE AIR FORCE EVALUATION: AFPC/DPSOA recommends denial of her request to change her RE code, stating, in part, the applicant's RE code of 2C is required per AFI 36-2606, Reenlistments in the USAF, chapter 3, based on her involuntary discharge with honorable character of service. The applicant does not provide any proof of an error or injustice in reference to her RE code, but states she wants her RE code changed so she can reenter the military. Her narrative reason for separation does not have an effect on her RE code, as her RE code is driven by her involuntary discharge and honorable character of service. The complete DPSOA evaluation is at Exhibit C. AFPC/DPSOR recommends partial approval. DPSOR states they did not find an error or injustice in the processing of the applicant's discharge from the Air Force. Her separation code of JFX (Personality Disorder) which currently appears on the applicant's DD Form 214 does not accurately reflect her diagnosis of an "Adjustment Disorder" that she received at the time of her discharge. They recommend the applicant's separation code be corrected to "KFF" and the narrative reason for separation be corrected to reflect "Secretarial Authority." They do not recommend a change to the applicant's RE code. The complete DPSOR evaluation is at Exhibit D. ________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF THE AIR FORCE EVALUATION: Copies of the Air Force evaluations were forwarded to the applicant on 30 Oct 12 for review and comment within 30 days. As of this date, no response has been received by this office (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 error or injustice warranting a change in the applicant’s narrative reason for separation. We note the applicant’s narrative reason for separation and the corresponding separation code assigned at the time of her discharge was appropriate; nonetheless, the Department of Defense has since established additional, more specific separation codes to actually delineate mental disorders. The applicant was diagnosed with an Adjustment Disorder, rather than a Personality Disorder; however, the diagnosis of Personality Disorder was chosen as the printed narrative reason for discharge as a matter of administrative policy at the time, rather than a determination that it represented the diagnostic reason for her inability to perform her military duties, since Adjustment Disorder was not available as a valid narrative reason during the period in question. As such, we agree with the opinion and recommendation of DPSOR to change the applicant’s narrative reason for separation to “Secretarial Authority” along with the corresponding SPD code of “KFF.” Therefore, we recommend the applicant’s record be corrected as indicated below. 4. Insufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of error or injustice in regard to a change in the applicant’s RE code. The Board took notice of the applicant's complete submission in judging the merits of this portion of her application; however, the Board majority agrees with the opinions and recommendations of the Air Force offices of primary responsibility and adopts the rationale expressed as the basis for their conclusion the applicant has not been the victim of an error or injustice concerning her RE code. Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, the Board majority finds no basis to recommend granting the relief sought in this portion of the application. ________________________________________________________________ RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARD: The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to APPLICANT, be corrected to show that on 10 Nov 01, she was discharged under the provisions of AFI 36- 3208, (Secretarial Authority), with a separation code of “KFF.” ________________________________________________________________ The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2012-03017 in Executive Session on 26 Feb 13, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603: All members voted to correct the records, as recommended. However, by a majority vote, the Board recommended denial of a change to the reentry code. XXXX voted to correct this portion of the application and has submitted a Minority Report. Although, XXXX chaired the panel, in view of his untimely death, XXXX has signed as Acting Panel Chair. The following documentary evidence pertaining to AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2012- 03017 was considered: Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 6 Jul 12. Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records. Exhibit C. Letter, AFPC/DPSOA, dated 28 Aug 12. Exhibit D. Letter, AFPC/DPSOR, dated 16 Oct 12. Exhibit E. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 30 Oct 12. Exhibit F. Letter, Minority Report, dated 15 Mar 13. MEMORANDUM FOR THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS SUBJECT: Minority Report – XXXXXXX, Docket Number: BC-2012-03017 The majority of the panel recommends denial of the applicant's request that her reentry code of 2C be changed to an eligible code. I disagree with the Board majority and believe that the evidence presented is sufficient to show the applicant could have been the victim of an error or an injustice. The Board majority opines the applicant's reentry code was justified based on the circumstances of her separation. Nonetheless, I vote to grant the applicant's request because the fact remains that she was allowed to reenlist on 7 Nov 00 after her first term. In August 01, she hit the roughest point in her career and was diagnosed with an Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood, Occupational Problem, and Partner Relational Problem. She admits she was struggling with depression based upon a variety of stressors to include relocating, toddler, pregnancy, deployment and marriage. In Nov 01 she was honorably discharged by reason of "Personality Disorder." AFPC/DPSOR has admitted that her discharge reason for separation and the corresponding separation code should be corrected. To take it one step farther, the reentry code also needs to be corrected based upon the same reasoning. I remind you she was initially allowed to reenlist based on her behavior during her first term. While she elected to leave the Air Force, I do not feel she should be penalized for an adjustment disorder especially if she has been able to resolve the issues which forced her to leave. I think she should be allowed to have the opportunity to reenlist and, if found fit, be allowed to continue her career. Therefore, in an effort to remove any possibility of an injustice to the applicant, I believe her reentry code should also be changed and she should be afforded the opportunity to continue her career in the Air Force. AFBCMR BC-2012-03017 MEMORANDUM FOR THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS (AFBCMR) SUBJECT: XXXXXXX, AFBCMR Docket Number: BC-2012-03017 I have carefully considered the rationale of the Board majority; however, I adopt the minority recommendation to grant the applicant’s request to upgrade her reentry (RE) code. While the assigned RE code may have been appropriate at the time to identify the circumstances of her separation, I do not believe she should have to continue to suffer its adverse effects. In this respect, I note that while the applicant may have experienced a period of maladjustment in dealing with multiple stressors, if she has been able to resolve those issues, I believe she should be afforded a second chance to serve. Therefore, it is my decision that her RE code should be changed to 3K. RE code 3K is a code that can be waived for prior service enlistment consideration, provided the applicant meets all other requirements for enlistment under an existing prior service program. Whether or not she is successful will depend on the needs of the service and in no way guarantees that she will be allowed to return to any branch of the service. AFBCMR BC-2012-03017 MEMORANDUM FOR THE CHIEF OF STAFF Having received and considered the recommendation of the Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records and under the authority of Section 1552, Title 10, United States Code, it is directed that: The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to XXXXXXX be corrected to show that on 10 November 2001, she was discharged under the provisions of AFI 36-3208, (Secretarial Authority), with a separation code of “KFF,” and reentry code of “3K.”