RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2014-04583 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: NO APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: His entry-level separation with uncharacterized service be upgraded to honorable and narrative reason for separation changed from “Adjustment Disorder” to “Disability”. APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: During his mental health evaluation he was told that he would be discharged honorably. Also, he is unable to use his Veterans Affairs (VA) education benefits because he did not receive an honorable discharge. The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A. STATEMENT OF FACTS: The applicant initially entered the Regular Air Force on 22 Apr 14. On 19 Sep 14, the applicant’s commander notified him of her intent to recommend his discharge for Conditions that Interfere with Military Service, specifically, adjustment disorder with depressed mood. The reason for the action was that, on 8 Sep 14, a Behavioral Analysis Service (BAS) clinical psychologist, diagnosed the applicant with a mental health condition that was so severe that his ability to function in a military environment was significantly impaired. On 23 Sep 14, the applicant acknowledged receipt of the action, consulted counsel and waived his right to submit statements on his own behalf. On 24 Sep 14, the action was found to be legally sufficient and the discharge authority subsequently concurred with the commander’s recommendation. On 1 Oct 14, the applicant was furnished an entry-level separation with uncharacterized character of service and a narrative reason for separation of “Adjustment Disorder,” and was credited with 5 months and 10 days of active service. The remaining relevant facts pertaining to this application are contained in the memoranda prepared by the Air Force offices of primary responsibility (OPR), which are attached at Exhibits C, D, and E. AIR FORCE EVALUATION: AETC/SGPS recommends denial as it pertains to the applicant’s medical diagnosis, indicating there is no evidence of an error or an injustice. Based on the documentation on file in the applicant’s records, the discharge to include the type of separation and character of service were appropriately administered and within the discretion of the discharge authority. A complete copy of the AETC/SGPS evaluation is at Exhibit C. AFPC/DPSOR recommends denial, indicating there is no evidence of an error or an injustice. The applicant was evaluated as a medical referral for suicidal ideation and depression. The report indicated that the applicant was hospitalized secondary to a single occurrence of suicidal ideation with no intent or play. The applicant has had past failures and stressors of abandonment by biological parents, assault, death of a girlfriend and close friends. He had passive suicidal thoughts such as “I just don’t care anymore, maybe it would be better if I were dead, and I’m dragging the team down.” The report further stated that the applicant reported worsened symptoms, partially related to a feeling that other trainees did not want him in training and had been making him feel unwelcome. He asserted impairment across diverse domains of functioning including depressed mood, anxiety, decreased concentration and focus, anhedonia, sleep difficulties, and decreased appetite. Finally, the report concluded that due to the disqualifying conditions of psychiatric hospitalization and the diagnosis of major depressive disorder, entry level separation was recommended. As a result, the applicant was removed from training and discharge action was initiated. Airmen are given entry–level separation/uncharacterized service when separation is initiated in the first 180 days of continuous active service. The Department of Defense (DoD) determined if a member served less than 180 days continuous service, it would be unfair to the member and the service to characterize their limited service. Therefore, the Separation Program Designator (SPD) code and narrative reason for separation are correct and in accordance with DoD and Air Force instructions. A complete copy of the AFPC/DPSOR evaluation is at Exhibit D. The AFBCMR Medical Consultant recommends denial of the applicant’s request, indicating there is no evidence of an error or an injustice. The applicant is advised that, by policy, an acute Adjustment Disorder, as demonstrated by him, is not a compensable medical condition and is recognized in Air Force and Department of Defense policies as an unsuitable or unsuiting medical condition. Again, by policy, when such a diagnosis significantly interferes with military service, within six months of service, the member’s character of service will be Uncharacterized and the individual will be discharged as an Entry Level Separation. Moreover, the Medical Consultant noted the preponderance of evidence shows the applicant may have been motivated to serve, but was unable to pass several of his required examinations and, at least in part, became depressed as a result. Although not considered a basis for discharge, the Consultant opines the applicant’s training record could have alternatively justified a discharge due to Failure to Progress, Unsatisfactory Performance, or Substandard Performance. The Consultant is also aware that often diagnostic opinions may vary, particularly when made by a different health care provider at a future point in time. Thus, the Consultant is aware of the possibility that the applicant may have received a follow-on diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder or other potentially compensable diagnosis since leaving military service. However, he is reminded that the Military Department renders its diagnostic decision based upon the evidence present and demonstrated at the “snapshot” time of final military disposition; and not based upon future progression or expression of disease or illness, as reported at a subsequent point in time. On the other hand, operating under a different set of laws, Title 38, United States Code, the Department of Veterans Affairs is empowered to conduct periodic re-evaluations and may reach a different diagnostic decision on a given case in appeal over the lifetime of the veteran. 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 15 Jul 15, 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 the AFBCMR Medical Consultant 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-2014-04583 in Executive Session on 15 Sep 15, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603: The following documentary evidence pertaining AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2014-04583 was considered: Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 6 Nov 14, w/atchs. Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records. Exhibit C. Memorandum, AETC/SGPS, dated 15 Dec 14. Exhibit D. Memorandum, AFPC/DPSOR, dated 31 Dec 14. Exhibit E. Memorandum, AFBCMR, Medical Consultant, dated 6 Jul 15. Exhibit F. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 15 Jul 15.