IN THE CASE OF

		BOARD DATE:	    23 July 2014

		DOCKET NUMBER:  AR20140010893 


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 retirement determination.

2.  The SRP noted that the applicant’s Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) was referred into the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) and remained unchanged throughout the IDES process.  Therefore, the applicant did not meet the inclusion criteria in the Terms of Reference of the MH Review Project. 

3.  The applicant’s PTSD was rated 50 percent in accordance with Department of Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) section 4.129 and VASRD section 4.130 and he was placed on TDRL in accordance with DoD policy.  The SRP reviewed the records for evidence for a §4.130 rating higher than 50 percent at time of placement on Temporary Disability Retired List (TDRL).  A VASRD rating above 50 percent required documentation of "inability to establish and maintain effective relationships" and "occupational impairment…with deficiencies in most areas" both of which were not evident in this case.

4.  The SRP noted that the VA DES rating proposal, dated 9 January 2012, and the VA rating decision, dated 14 June 2012, both examined if a higher rating was indicated.  Both documents show that there was insufficient evidence to grant a higher rating.

5.  After due deliberation in consideration of the preponderance of the evidence, the SRP concluded there was insufficient cause to recommend a change in the PEB adjudication for the applicant's disability.

6.  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)                                  AR20140010893



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