IN THE CASE OF:	  

		BOARD DATE:	  14 April 2015

		DOCKET NUMBER:  AR20150004360 


THE BOARD CONSIDERED THE FOLLOWING EVIDENCE:

1.  Application for correction of military records (with supporting documents provided, if any).

2.  Military Personnel Records and advisory opinions (if any).


THE APPLICANT'S REQUEST, STATEMENT, AND EVIDENCE:

1.  The applicant requests a review of the military disability evaluation pertaining to a mental health (MH) condition.

2.  The applicant states, in effect, the case file should be reviewed in accordance with the Secretary of Defense directive for a comprehensive review of members who were referred for a disability evaluation between 11 September 2001 and 30 April 2012, and whose MH diagnosis was changed during that process.

3.  The applicant submitted an application through the Department of Defense (DOD) Physical Disability Board of Review (PDBR) MH Special Review Panel (SRP).

CONSIDERATION OF EVIDENCE:

1.  The PDBR SRP conducted a comprehensive review of the applicant's submissions and records for evidence of inappropriate changes in the diagnosis of an MH condition during processing through the military disability system.

2.  The DOD memorandum, dated 27 February 2013, directed the Service Secretaries to conduct a review of MH diagnoses for service members completing a disability evaluation process between 11 September 2001 and 30 April 2012, to determine if service members were disadvantaged by a changed diagnosis over the course of their physical disability process.

3.  In the processing of this case, an advisory opinion was obtained from the PDBR SRP and the applicant was provided a copy.

4.  The applicant did not respond to the advisory opinion.  

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS:

1.  After a comprehensive review of the applicant's case, the SRP determined by unanimous vote that there should be no change to the applicant's disability and separation determination.

2.  The SRP reviewed the records for evidence of changes in diagnosis of the applicant's MH condition during processing through the Pilot Disability Evaluation System (DES).  The evidence of the available records show diagnoses of adjustment disorder with mixed emotional features and partner relational problem were rendered during DES processing.  The diagnostic variance supported the diagnosis of partner relational problem.  The SRP agreed there were no changes in diagnoses.  Therefore, this applicant did not meet the inclusion criteria in the Terms of Reference of the MH Review Project.

3.  The SRP also considered whether any MH conditions were unfitting for continued military service, regardless of specific diagnosis.  The SRP agreed that evidence of the record reflected minimal MH related symptoms.  All of the mental status examinations in the record in evidence including the compensation & pension exam were essentially normal.  The SRP concluded that there was insufficient evidence that any MH condition rose to the level of being unfitting at the time of separation and therefore none were subject to service disability rating. 

4.  After due deliberation in consideration of the preponderance of the evidence, the SRP concluded that there was insufficient cause to recommend a change in the Physical Evaluation Board adjudication for the applicant’s MH conditions.

5.  The available evidence shows the SRP's assessment should be accepted.










BOARD VOTE:

________  ________  ________  GRANT FULL RELIEF 

________  ________  ________  GRANT PARTIAL RELIEF 

________  ________  ________  GRANT FORMAL HEARING

___x____  ___x____  ___x____  DENY APPLICATION

BOARD DETERMINATION/RECOMMENDATION:

The evidence presented does not demonstrate the existence of a probable error or injustice.  Therefore, the Board determined the overall merits of this case are insufficient as a basis for correction of the records of the individual concerned.  




      __________x_____________
               CHAIRPERSON

I certify that herein is recorded the true and complete record of the proceedings of the Army Board for Correction of Military Records in this case.

ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont)                                         AR20040003532



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ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont)                                  AR20150004360



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