BOARD DATE:	 10 September 2014 

		DOCKET NUMBER:  AR20140013528 


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 Temporary Disability Retired List (TDRL) entry disability determination.

2.  The SRP reviewed the records for evidence of inappropriate changes in diagnosis of the applicant's MH condition during processing through the Integrated Disability Evaluation System.  The evidence of the available records show a diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) was rendered and the SRP agreed there was no change in that diagnosis to the applicant’s disadvantage.  Therefore, the applicant did not meet the inclusion criteria in the Terms of Reference of the MH Review Project.

3.  The SRP agreed that the Physical Evaluation Board’s (PEB) adjudication appropriately applied Department of Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) section 4.129 and granted a TDRL entry rating of 50 percent for the PTSD with major depression condition.  The SRP reviewed the entire record for evidence that a rating greater that 50 percent should have been granted at TDRL entrance.  The applicant did not manifest the occupational and social impairment, with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking or mood as required for the 70 percent rating under VASRD section 4.130. 

4.   After due deliberation in consideration of the preponderance of the evidence, the SRP agreed there was insufficient cause to recommend a change in the PEB adjudication for the PTSD with major depression condition at TDRL entry.

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



3


ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

 RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS


1

ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont)                                  AR20140013528



2


ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

 RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS


1