RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2014-03608 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: NO APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: His medical retirement, reentry (RE) and separation codes be changed to allow him to reenter military service. APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: His diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder Single Episode is incorrect. He has never had a mental disorder. When he entered Basic Military Training (BMT) he had a severe sinus infection and believes he became delirious as a result of not having slept in 74 hours. He contracted the illness from his sister whom he visited before leaving for BMT. The lack of sleep, illness and external stress will naturally cause the body to become imbalanced. Therefore, everyone has the potential of experiencing the signs and symptoms he suffered, which mimicked a “single” psychiatric episode. After getting some rest he became just as normal as he was prior to enlisting in the military and has remained in a normal state of mind. His psychiatric evaluations performed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) determined that “the medical evidence supports the conclusion that a persistent disability was not present in service. The evidence does not show a current diagnosed disability.” He also underwent an independent psychiatric evaluation which also revealed that he had no mental psychiatric disorder. The Air Force even stated that he did not have a pre-existing condition, and claimed he developed a permanent bipolar disorder, within a matter of days. The Air Force’s medical opinion was incorrect. Since leaving military service he has graduated from college and is working as a firefighter/paramedic. In order to work as a fighter/paramedic he had to undergo a psychiatric examination, which he passed. He does not have any mental issues and is not currently taking or in need of any medication. The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A. STATEMENT OF FACTS: On 30 Jan 12, the applicant commenced his enlistment in the Regular Air Force. On 8 Feb 12, the applicant, during basic military training (BMT) was voluntarily hospitalized for manic and delusional behavior. On 28 Feb 12, the applicant underwent a Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) for a bipolar episode. The MEB referred his case to the Informal Evaluation Board (IPEB). On 3 Apr 12, the IPEB reviewed the applicant’s case and noted his medical condition, which is not likely to change over the next several years, prevents him from reasonably performing his duties. He experienced a psychotic break during week one (1) of BMT, with hallucinations, delusions, agitation, elevated mood, and rapid speech and movement. His symptoms subsided with treatment. His condition did not exist prior to service (EPTS). Military impairment is marked, and social-industrial impairment is considerable. The IPEB found the applicant unfit and recommended permanent disability retirement (PDR) with a 30 percent disability rating. On 4 Apr 12, the applicant concurred with the findings and recommendations of the IPEB. On 7 Apr 12, the applicant was permanently disability retired with a 30 percent disability rating, and was credited with two months and seven days of active service. AIR FORCE EVALUATION: AFPC/DPFD recommends denial indicating there is no evidence of an error or an injustice. The RE code 2Q and separation code SFJ are the correct codes for an individual who is being medically retired. The IPEB reviewed the applicant's MEB for a diagnosis of Bipolar I Disorder, Single Episode and recommended PDR with a disability rating of 30 percent. The IPEB noted “Service member experienced a psychotic break in week of training 1 (WOT1), with hallucinations, delusions, agitation, elevated mood, and rapid speech and movement. Symptoms subsided with treatment on 2 medications. The condition did not exist prior to service.” The applicant concurred with the recommendation and findings and was permanently disability retired with a 30 percent disability rating. There is no evidence that an error or injustice occurred during the disability processing. A complete copy of the AFPC/DPFD evaluation is at Exhibit C. The AFBCMR Mental Health Consultant recommends denial indicating there is no evidence of an error or an injustice and noting the applicant underwent voluntary psychiatric hospitalization after he became delusional, believing he was the “messiah,” becoming agitated and combative, endorsing auditory hallucinations, and calling himself a prophet. His condition appears to have been exacerbated by a period of sleeplessness lasting some 74 hours. However, once hospitalized he responded quickly to treatment and has not had a documented episode since. The applicant was entered into the Physical Evaluation System and was medically retired with a 30 percent disability rating with a diagnosis of Bipolar I, single episode. The Mental Health Consultant found no evidence of injustice or inequity in the records reviewed. He sympathizes with the applicant’s plea to be allowed to re-enlist in the Air Force. Unfortunately, his psychotic episode is extremely well documented and is entirely consistent with classic mania. While the applicant may never again suffer an acute manic episode, there is no way to predict when such an episode might occur, or what may precipitate its occurrence. Such episodes may occur after many years of complete mental stability, but the extreme and disruptive nature of these events, even when rare, cannot be overlooked. These episodes are most likely to occur during periods of physical and emotional duress, which is exactly when the military most needs all participants to be at their very best. A complete copy of the AFBCMR Mental Health Consultant evaluation is at Exhibit D. APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION: Copies of the Air Force office of primary responsibility (OPR) and the AFBCMR Mental Health Consultant’s evaluations were forwarded to the applicant on 4 Jan 16, for review and comment within 30 days (Exhibit D). 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. The applicant contends his mental health diagnosis was incorrect and he does not have any mental health issues and should be allowed to reenter military service. We took notice of the applicant’s complete submission in judging the merits of the case; however, we agree with the opinion and recommendation of the Air Force office of primary responsibility (OPR) and the AFBCMR Mental Health Consultant and adopt their rationale as the basis for our conclusion the applicant has not been the victim of an error of injustice. While acknowledging the applicant may not be exemplifying evidence of a mental disorder at present, the board notes the opinion of the AFBCMR Mental Health Consultant the applicant’s psychotic episode is entirely consistent with classic mania and that there is no way to predict when such an episode might occur. As such, we find the evidence provided insufficient to conclude the applicant was misdiagnosed during his military service and further determine that his diagnosed condition is incompatible with military service. Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no basis to recommend granting the requested relief. 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-2014-03608 in Executive Session on 5 Feb 16, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603: , Panel Chair , Member , Member The following documentary evidence pertaining to AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2014-03608 was considered: Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 12 Aug 14, w/atchs. Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records. Exhibit C. Memorandum, AFPC/DPFDD, dated 18 Sep 14. Exhibit D. Memorandum, AFBCMR Mental Health Advisor, dated 28 Dec 14. Exhibit E. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 4 Jan 16.