RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2010-04595 COUNSEL: HEARING DESIRED: NO _________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: Her removal from the Personnel Reliability Program (PRP) and subsequent security clearance and weapons handling disqualification be removed from her records. _________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: She no longer has an “Adjustment Disorder” which was the basis for her involuntary separation. She experienced stress during basic military training (BMT) and based on this isolated incidence, she is currently disqualified from holding a security clearance and weapons handling. There were no similar incidences before or after military training. She no longer has an adjustment disorder; therefore, no reason she should be disqualified. She met with a psychiatrist to ensure that she is mentally healthy. The psychiatrist confirmed she has adjusted and does not have any mental illnesses. She completed her Bachelor’s Degree and will soon begin work on an advanced degree. Having her records cleared will be advantageous to her future. In support of her request, the applicant provides a mental health evaluation. The applicant's complete submission, with attachment, is at Exhibit A. _________________________________________________________________ STATEMENT OF FACTS: On 2 Jul 07, the applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force for a period of four years. On 17 Jul 07, the applicant was notified by her squadron commander that he was recommending her discharge from the Air Force for a condition that interfered with military service, specifically, for a mental disorders. The applicant was diagnosed by the Department of Mental Health, Wilford Hall Medical Center as having a mental disorder as contained in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV). The evaluation stated the applicant’s ability to function in a military environment was considered significantly impaired. The specific diagnosis was Axis I: Adjustment Disorder with Mixed Anxiety and Depressed Mood. On 17 Jul 07, the applicant acknowledged receipt of the notification of discharge and waived her rights to consult with legal counsel and to submit statements in her own behalf. The base legal office reviewed the case and found it legally sufficient to support the basis for separation. The discharge authority approved the separation and directed the applicant be discharged with an uncharacterized entry-level separation. On 19 Jul 07, the applicant received an uncharacterized entry- level separation, by reason of “Personality Disorder.” She served 18 days on active duty. _________________________________________________________________ AIR FORCE EVALUATION: AETC/SGPS recommends denial. SGPS does not support removing any history from her file as it was correct at the time she was in the service. SGPS found the separation was completed in accordance with established policy and administrative procedures current at that time. SGPS further states at the time of her separation the applicant was found disqualified for military service, the Personnel Reliability Program (PRP), could not hold a security clearance, or do any weapons handling. The majority of jobs in the Air Force require a security clearance, and all those in security and weapons handling require meeting PRP requirements, and/or weapons handling. Due to her diagnosis she did not meet any of these program conditions and therefore, she was disqualified for all of the above. The complete SGPS evaluation is at Exhibit C. AFPC/DPSOS recommends the applicant’s narrative reason for separation and separation code be changed to reflect “Adjustment Disorder” and “JFY.” DPSOS states a review of the applicant’s record reveals there was an error in the applicant’s separation record. The applicant’s DD Form 214, incorrectly states she was discharged from the Air Force with a separation code of “JFX” and a narrative reason of “Personality Disorder.” Since the applicant was discharged with an Adjustment Disorder with Mixed Anxiety and Depressed Mood, the DD Form 214 should have reflected a separation code of “JFY” and narrative reason of “Adjustment Disorder.” Although DPSOS recommends a change in the separation code and narrative reason for separation, they point out the corrective action will not result in a more favorable reenlistment condition than what currently appears on her DD Form 214. DPSOS further states although the applicant is apparently succeeding and coping well in her civilian capacity, it does not change the basis for which she was discharged from the Air Force. The military environment is unique and stressors encountered in such an environment may not appear or surface when removed from the military environment. The complete DPSOS evaluation is at Exhibit D. _________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION: On 22 Apr 11, copies of the Air Force evaluations were forwarded to the applicant for review and comment within 30 days. To date, a response has not been received (Exhibit E). _________________________________________________________________ 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 provided to demonstrate the existence of an error or injustice regarding her removal from the Personnel Reliability Program (PRP) and subsequent disqualification from weapons handling and a security clearance. The evidence of record reflects the applicant was removed from the PRP based on being diagnosed with a mental disorder. It appears the applicant has adjusted well since her separation from the Air Force, and according to a medical professional, no longer suffers from a mental disorder; however, this does not change the fact that she was diagnosed and treated for a mental disorder while in the service. The applicant has provided no evidence showing that her separation was in error or contrary to the prevailing instruction, or that appropriate rules were not followed. Therefore, in the absence of persuasive evidence to the contrary, we find no basis to recommend favorable relief regarding this request. 4. Notwithstanding the above, we find sufficient evidence of an error or injustice warranting a change in the applicant’s narrative reason for separation. After reviewing the evidence of record, it appears the applicant’s narrative reason for separation inaccurately reflects the circumstances surrounding her discharge. As noted by the Separations Branch, the applicant’s DD Form 214 incorrectly reflects she was discharged from the Air Force with a separation code of “JFX” and a narrative reason for separation of “Personality Disorder.” In this respect, the applicant was not diagnosed with a personality disorder; but, as the record indicates, was diagnosed with an adjustment disorder. In view of the above, and in order to preclude any further injustice to the applicant, we recommend the records be corrected as indicated below. _______________________________________________________________ THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT: The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to APPLICANT, be corrected to show that she was discharged on 19 July 2007, with a narrative reason for separation of “Adjustment Disorder” rather than “Personality Disorder,” and a separation code of “JFY” rather than “JFX.” _______________________________________________________________ The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2010-04595 in Executive Session on 29 Jun 11, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603: , Panel Chair , Member , Member All members voted to correct the records, as recommended. The following documentary evidence was considered: Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 9 Dec 10, w/atch. Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records. Exhibit C. Letter, AETC/SGPS, dated 21 Jan 11. Exhibit C. Letter, AFPC/DPSOS, dated 5 Apr 11. Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 22 Apr 11. Panel Chair