RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2013-05314 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: NO APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: His uncharacterized service characterization be changed to honorable or medical. APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: While attending technical training he was hospitalized five days, and diagnosed with an adjustment disorder, anxiety, and severe depression. After being released from the hospital he was able to handle the stress to successfully complete his training; however, he was discharged without being provided an opportunity to prove himself. He further states he did not have any issues prior to entering military service and that he continues to have anxiety attacks. The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A. STATEMENT OF FACTS: On 26 Mar 13, the applicant commenced his enlistment in the Regular Air Force. On 28 Aug 13, the applicant’s commander notified him of his intent to recommend his discharge from the Air Force for a condition that interferes with military service. The specific reason for the discharge was the applicant’s diagnosis of an adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety/depressed mood. The social worker and psychologist diagnosed the applicant’s condition as being so severe that his ability to function effectively in a military environment was significantly impaired. On 28 Aug 13, the applicant acknowledged receipt of the action and waived his right to counsel and to submit a statement in his own behalf. On 4 Sep 13, the legal office reviewed the case and found it legally sufficient to support separation and recommended the applicant be furnished an entry-level separation without probation and rehabilitation. On 5 Sep 13, the discharge authority directed the applicant be furnished an entry-level separation with uncharacterized service. On 13 Sep 13, he was furnished an entry-level separation with uncharacterized service, and was credited with 5 months and 18 days of total active service. AIR FORCE EVALUATION: AETC/SGPS recommends denial indicating there is no evidence of an error or injustice. The evidence of record reflects the applicant’s separation was done in accordance with established policy and administrative procedures. A complete copy of the AETC/SGPC evaluation is at Exhibit C. AFPC/DPSOR recommends denial noting Airmen are given an entry- level separation with uncharacterized service when separation is initiated in the first 180 days of continuous active service. The Department of Defense (DoD) determined it would be unfair to the member or the service to characterize a member’s limited service when separation is initiated within the first 180 days of active service. The applicant’s service characterization, to include his separation code are correct and in accordance with the Department of Defense (DOD) policy. The documentation in the applicant’s master personnel records indicates the discharge was consistent with the procedural and substantive requirements of the discharge instruction and was within the discretion of the discharge authority. The applicant has not provided any evidence or identified any errors or injustices that occurred in the discharge processing to warrant changing his discharge, service characterization, or the narrative reason for separation. A complete copy of the AFPC/DPSOR evaluation is at Exhibit D. The Medical Consultant recommends denial indicating there is no evidence of an error or an injustice noting based upon the limited supplied evidence, he finds the applicant has not met the burden of proof of an error or injustice that warrants changing his narrative reason to medical or honorable. An adjustment disorder (acute) is listed among the conditions not considered a compensable disability; by Department of Defense (DOD) and Air Force. However, mental disorders to include personality disorders, impulse control disorders and others are defined as conditions that interfere with duty performance or failure to adapt to military environment. Therefore, individuals diagnosed with an acute adjustment disorder may be the subject of administrative discharge when the condition is so severe as to significantly impair his or her ability to function effectively in the military environment. A chronic adjustment disorder, as outlined in the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD), is a potentially compensable diagnosis if determined to cause career termination. An acute adjustment disorder is often considered a short-term diagnosis manifesting within three months of the identified external stressor and lasting no greater than six months. The factors that may trigger the condition vary widely and include interpersonal relationship issues, any major life change, e.g., marriage, birth of a baby, loss or changing jobs, and death of a loved one. The clinical symptoms vary but commonly include feelings of hopelessness, sadness, and anxiety. Sometimes the individual may experience suicidal ideation, as in the case under review. Usually, once the external precipitating stressor has been removed or the individual adapts to the stressor, a normal level of functioning is generally restored. However, in the applicant’s case, it appears the precipitating factor was his longing to communicate with his family and his inability to receive leave in order to resolve his homesickness. The mental health provider noted the applicant was likely to experience future episodes of depression and anxiety when confronted with similar or greater stressors; particularly in the context of the harsh and unpredictable operational conditions confronting all members of today's deployable force. A complete copy of the AFBCMR Medical Consultant’s evaluation is at Exhibit E. APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION: Copies of the Air Force evaluations were forwarded to the applicant on 21 Jul 14 for review and comment within 30 days (Exhibit F). As of this date, no response has been received by this office. THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT: 1. The applicant has exhausted all remedies provided by existing law or regulations. 2. The application was timely filed. 3. Insufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of an error or injustice. We took notice of the applicant’s complete submission in judging the merits of the case; however, we agree with the opinions and recommendations of the Air Force offices of primary responsibility (OPR) and adopt their rationale as the basis for our conclusion the applicant has not been the victim of an error or injustice. Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no basis to recommend granting the relief sought in this application. THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT: The applicant be notified the evidence presented did not demonstrate the existence of material error or injustice; the application was denied without a personal appearance; and the application will only be reconsidered upon the submission of newly discovered relevant evidence not considered with this application. The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2013-05314 in Executive Session on 23 Sep 14, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603: , Panel Chair , Member , Member The following documentary evidence was considered: Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 8 Nov 13, w/atchs. Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records. Exhibit C. Letter, AETC/SGPS, dated 3 Mar 14. Exhibit D. Letter, AFPC/DPSOR, dated 8 Apr 14. Exhibit E. Letter, AFBCMR Medical Consultant, dated 27 May 14. Exhibit F. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 21 Jul 14.