IN THE CASE OF:  	  

		BOARD DATE:  15 October 2014	  

		DOCKET NUMBER:  AR20140015775 


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 reviewed the records for evidence of inappropriate changes in the diagnosis of the MH condition during processing through the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES).  The evidence of the available records shows the Department of Veterans Affairs Compensation & Pension diagnosis of adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depression was the sole diagnosis rendered during the IDES process.  The SRP agreed there were no changes in diagnosis.  Therefore, the applicant did not meet the inclusion criteria in the Terms of Reference of the MH Review Project. 

3.  The SRP agreed that evidence of the record reflected MH-related symptoms prior to enlistment in the Army.  There was no clinical evidence that the applicant’s condition caused significant impairment in social or occupational functioning.  The commander’s statement indicated applicant could fully function in the military occupational specialty, made reasonable decisions including complex ones, and could make necessary decisions on the use of equipment.  Additionally, an MH condition was never profiled.  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 disability rating. 

4.  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)                                  AR20140015775



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