BOARD DATE: 15 March 2016 DOCKET NUMBER: AR20160003271 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 the applicant’s prior determination should be modified to reflect undifferentiated somatoform disorder effective as of the date of the applicant’s prior medical separation. 2. The SRP reviewed the records for evidence of inappropriate changes in diagnosis of the mental health condition during processing through the military pilot disability evaluation system (PDES). A diagnosis of undifferentiated somatoform disorder was rendered during the DES process. The SRP agreed that there were no changes in diagnosis to the applicant’s possible disadvantage while processing through the disability evaluation system. Therefore, the applicant did not meet the inclusion criteria in the Terms of Reference of the MH Diagnosis Review Project. 3. The SRP agreed that Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) adjudication of unfitting undifferentiated somatoform disorder was supported by the evidence. The evidence noted multiple somatic complaints over a one year period not based in organic etiology but manifested through mental issues. The SRP noted that the PEB assigned a disability rating of 30 percent without application of Department of Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) section 4.129 (Mental disorders due to traumatic stress). 4. The SRP agreed the provision was not applicable in this case. The SRP considered if there was evidence for a VASRD section 4.130 rating higher than 30 percent at time of separation. A disability of 50 percent requires “reduced reliability and productivity” while a disability of 70 percent requires occupational and social impairment, with deficiencies in most areas. Available treatment records during the time leading up to separation revealed that the applicant had no remission of symptoms. There were no service treatment records in evidence, but the commander referenced a hospitalization for the previous 60 days due to stress and related issues. He had daily physiological problems, sleep impairment, disturbance of motivation and mood, difficulty in adapting to stressful circumstances, and inability to establish and maintain effective relationships. The narrative summary exam noted significant social and occupational impairment. 5. The SRP considered the record in evidence best supported the 70 percent rating at the time of separation. After due deliberation, considering all of the evidence and mindful of VASRD section 4.3, the SRP recommends a disability rating of 70 percent for the undifferentiated somatoform disorder condition. 6. The available evidence shows the SRP's assessment should be accepted. BOARD VOTE: ____x____ ___x_____ ___x__ GRANT FULL RELIEF ________ ________ ________ GRANT PARTIAL RELIEF ________ ________ ________ GRANT FORMAL HEARING ________ ________ ________ DENY APPLICATION BOARD DETERMINATION/RECOMMENDATION: The Board determined that the evidence presented was sufficient to warrant a recommendation for relief. As a result, the Board recommends that all Department of the Army records of the individual concerned be corrected by modifying the applicant’s record to reflect undifferentiated somatoform disorder effective as of the date of the applicant’s prior medical separation. UNFITTING CONDITION VASRD CODE RATING Undifferentiated Somatoform Disorder 9423 70 percent COMBINED 70 percent __________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 3 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 1 ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20160003271 3 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 1