AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
IN THE MATTER OF:
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DOCKET NUMBER: 97-03009
COUNSEL: NONE
HEARING DESIRED: NO
APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:
The narrative reason for separation, "Personality Disorder, be
changed.
The Separation Program Designator (SPD) code "JFX, 'I be changed.
The Reenlistment Eligibility (RE) code a2C11 be changed.
APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:
The reasons for his separation are unjust. The information on
the I'Attachment to AF Form 31" is what he wrote to his
supervisors, commander and the Mental Health Department. This
letter started an evaluation of himself to prove he was a bad
influence on others and not a model airman, both of which are not
true. His request for discharge was based solely on his not
being able to adjust and live a normal life in the Air Force.
Applicant states that his performance on the job did not suffer
until he spoke about problems he was having and he was fearful
something may happen on the basis of his lack of sleep.
Applicant states that his sleeping problems went away the day he
arrived home and he has not had a problem since. Applicant
states that he has no desire for military life again as he knows
it is not for everyone. To have a reason such as his for
discharge is simply wrong and degrading.
Applicant's complete submission is attached at Exhibit A.
STATEMENT OF FACTS:
Applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force on 1 March 1995 for a
period of four ( 4 ) years.
While serving in the grade of airman first class, applicant was
notified by his commander on 6 May 1996, that he (commander) was
recommending applicant's discharge from. the U. S. Air Force for
Conditions that Interfere with Military Service according to AFI
36-3208, paragraph 5.11.1 (Mental Disorders). The commander
stated that if his recommendation was approved, applicant's
service will be characterized as honorable. The reasons for the
action were:
Applicant recently underwent a mental health
evaluation at the commander's direction. His (commander) concern
for applicant's well-being and the well-being of the squadron
were key factors in his decision to request that evaluation. The
mental health provider diagnosed applicant as having a Dysthymic
Disorder (Provisional) and Personality Disorder (NOS) (prominent
passive-aggressive and self-defeating traits).
The provider
stated that the disorders are such that applicant's long-term
ability to function effectively in the military environment is
impaired.
Applicant acknowledged receipt of the Letter of Notification on
6 May 1996 and stated he understood his rights. On 8 May 1996,
applicant consulted military legal counsel and waived his right
to submit statements on his behalf. On 9 May 1996, the Squadron
Commander forwarded his recommendation to the Wing Commander, who
concurred in the recommendation on 13 May 1996.
On 15 May 1996, the Chief, Psychology Services submitted an
Addendum to the Mental Evaluation of applicant. [The Chief made
essentially the same diagnosis as previously stated. However, in
his addendum, he indicated that] "The disorders are so severe
that the member's ability to function effectively in the military
environment is significantly impaired.''
On 17 May 1996, the Staff Judge Advocate reviewed the applicant's
discharge file and found it legally sufficient to support his
discharge under AFI 36-3208.
He recommended applicant be
honorably discharged without probation and rehabilitation.
On 21 May 1996, the Discharge Authority directed that applicant
be separated with an honorable discharge. He considered the
applicant for probation and rehabilitation under the provisions
of AFI 36-3208, Chapter 7. However, he found that applicant was
not a suitable candidate.
Applicant was honorably discharged on 24 May 1996 under the
provisions of AFI 36-3208 (Personality Disorder) with an RE code
of 2 C . He served 1 year, 2 months, and 24 days of active duty.
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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
The Chief, Medical Consultant, AFBCMR, Medical Advisor SAF
Personnel Council, states that available records reflect that
applicant began having sleep disturbance within two months of
coming on active duty relating to his inability to adjust to the
military setting and regulations. It is clear from information
in the records, and provided by the applicant, that he did not
fit into the military life-style and suffered from insomnia
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induced by his consuming desire to be released from his
obligation. While no performance reports are recorded, he did
receive a Letter of Evaluation which addressed his overall good
performance and a concern only relating to his chronic fatigued
state in relation to potential driving accidents-not that he had
the potential to harm himself or others willingly. By the
examining psychologist's own admission, the testing performed in
helping arrive at the diagnosis was likely invalid based on the
response patterns made by the applicant.
Therefore, the
diagnosis, itself, must come under suspicion as being flawed or
invalid. It would seem more reasonable to have arrived at a
diagnosis of Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood (DSM-IV Code
309.0) rather than Personality Disorder, NOS (DSM-IV Code 301.9)
reflecting the applicant's inability to adjust to the military
setting. Changing this diagnosis to more closely indicate the
true nature of applicant's disorder is indicated. The Medical
Consultant is of the opinion that the records should be changed
as recommended.
A copy of the Air Force evaluation is attached at Exhibit C.
The Military Personnel Management Specialist, Programs and
Procedures Branch, HQ AFPC/DPPRS, states that the applicant's
case has been reviewed for separation processing and there are no
errors or irregularities causing an injustice to the applicant.
The discharge complies with directives in effect at the time of
his discharge. Applicant did not identify any specific errors in
the discharge processing nor provide facts which warrant a change
to his records. The BCMR Medical Consultant recommends a change
to the narrative reason and SPD code.
AFPC/DPPRS has no
objection to the change of the narrative reason for separation
and SPD code since the DOD Instructions makes no provision for a
narrative reason of adjustment disorder.
A copy of the Air Force evaluation is attached at Exhibit D.
The Special Programs and BCMR Manager, HQ AFPC/DPPAES, states
that the applicant received an honorable, injoluntary separation.
Therefore, RE Code 112C1' is correct.
A copy of the Air Force evaluation is attached at Exhibit E.
APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
Applicant responded to the Air Force evaluations and states, in
part, that he agrees with the recommendations of the Air Force
but does not agree with leaving the RE code as is.
The
recommendations clearly state that he did not fit into the
military lifestyle which he disagrees with. The main problem
with his sleep was working night shift and not having adequate
sleeping quarters. Applicant states that since the Air Force, he
has looked into re-enlisting with other branches. However, the
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RE code limits his liqibilit r with certain branches but not all
of them.
He feels he l's entitled to a second chance to serve his
country.
A copy of the applicant's response is attached at Exhibit G.
THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT:
The applicant has exhausted all remedies provided by existing
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law or regulations.
2. The application was timely filed.
3. Sufficient relevant evidence has been presented to
demonstrate the existence of probable error or injustice. After
reviewing the evidence of record, we believe there is some doubt
as to the validity of the applicant's diagnosis of a personality
disorder. It appears that applicant was unable to adjust and
live a normal life in the Air Force and had problems not being
able to sleep, which the applicant states disappeared when he was
subsequently discharged and returned home. The BCMR Medical
Consultant states that it would seem more reasonable to have
arrived at a diagnosis of Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood
rather than Personality Disorder, reflecting the applicant's
inability to adjust to the military setting. Also, the examining
psychologist admitted that the testing performed in helping
arrive at the diagnosis of a personality disorder was likely
invalid based on the response patterns made by the applicant.
Therefore, we believe it would be unjust for the applicant to
continue to bear the stigma of being diagnosed with a personality
disorder.
We believe, and agree with the BCMR Medical
Consultant, that a more appropriate narrative reason for
separation would be a discharge under Secretarial Authority. We
also agree that the RE code should not be changed as it reflects
an involuntary separation with an honorable discharge and was the
correct code at the time of the applicant's- discharge. In view
of the above, we recommend that the applicant's 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 at the time of
his honorable discharge on 2 4 May 1996, the narrative reason for
his discharge was Secretarial Authority and the Separation
Program Designator (SPD) code was KFF.
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The following members of the Board considered this application in
Executive Session on 11 June 1998, under the provisions of AFI
36-2603:
Mr. Thomas S. Markiewicz, Panel Chair
Mr. Robert W. Zook, Me.mber
Ms. Olga M. Crerar, Member
All members voted to correct the records, as recommended. The
following documentary evidence was considered:
Exhibit A . DD Form 149, dated 26 Sep 97, w/atchs.
Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
Exhibit C. Letter, BCMR Medical Consultant, dated 20 Nov 9 7 .
Exhibit D. Letter, HQ AFPC/DPPRS, dated 16 Jan 9 8 .
Exhibit E. Letter, HQ AFPC/DPPAES, dated 16 Jan 98.
Exhibit F. Letter, AFBCMR, dated 9 Feb 9 8 .
Exhibit G. Applicant's Letter, dated 11 Feb 98
Panel Chair
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DEPARTMENT OF ,THE AIR FORCE
HEADQUARTCRU AIR PORCk PERSONNEL CENTER
AANOOLPH AIR FORCE EACIL TEXAS
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'JAN l ( 3 1998
MEMORANDUM FOR AFBCMR
FROM HQAPPC/I;)PPRS
550 c street west ste I1
Raaaotph AH3 TX 7815014713
SUBJECT Application for Correction of Military kcord-
c
Tht qplicmt, while &ng
Force 24 May 96 under the provisions of AFI 36-3208 (Personality Disorder) with an honorable
discharge. He served 01 year 02 Gxiths 24 days tatal active service.
in the grade of airman first c l a q WBQ dischargad h m the Air
Y
Rcqnestad A&OL The applicant is requesting that his narrahe reason for discharge be
changed. In addition, he request a change his separation code and reenby code.
Basis fbr Request. Applicant claims tfiat the ress~l for his discharge is unjust. That hc did
not have aperwnality disorder and his problem wrts an adjustment problem dealing with the
military. The advisory fhxnthe BCMR Medical consultaat, 20 Nov 97 provides infomation
concerning applicant's medical condition at the time of his sepratioa This advisory wiIl
address only the diecharge processing in the case,
- Facts. The appliGarrt was ~ t i f i d by his commander on 06 May 96, that discharge action had
been initiated against him for a mmtal disorder. The commander advised that the discharge
c h i c and the mental
action was bung taken because he had been kcently evaluated by.&
heal& provider diagnosed him as hrwing an Dysthymic Disorder @visionai) and Personality
Disorder NOS (promitlent passive-aggrtssive and d-defeating tr$its). The provider also stated
that the disorders are such that his long-term ability to fimction effectively in the military
envimnment ii impaired. He was advised he had a right to consult counsel and h e right to
mbmit statements in his own behalf. AppIiGant consulted legal camsel and voluntarily waived
his rights to submit a statement in his own behalf. The discharge'casc wm reviewed by the base
legal office and was hund to be Iegally sufEicient to support sepamtion. The discharge authoriw
reviewed the discharge case and approved the nxammcadation for discharge fbr mental disorder
and directad the applicant be given an hanorablt discharge.
Discussion. "hie case has been reviewed fix qyraticm processing and there are M
or
imgularities causing an injustice to the applicant. The discharge complies with directives in
&cct at the time of his discharge. The records indicab member's military service was revimd
and appropriate action was taken.
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Rdcominendation. Applicant did not identie any specific enwm in the discharge processing
nor provide k t s which warrant a chmge in his reason far separation or his separation code.
Homm, the BCMR Medical Consultant recommds a change to his rqrrative reason for
scpmtion to ''Seaetarial Authority" and SPD code ohange to "KFF' and provided the xatioaale
for thc recommended change. We have no objection to the change of the d v e
reason fix
scE#aation and SPD code aa recommended since the DOD Instructions makes no provision for a
narrative reason of adjustmmt disorder. He has fild a timely request.
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JOHN C. WOOT", GS-9
Military Personnel Mgmt Spec
Programs and Procedures Branch
Dir of Personnel Pm'gram Management
Memorandum for the AFBCMR
From: BCMR Medical Consultant
1535 Command Drive, EE Wing, 3rd floor
A n d m AFB MD 20762-7002
Subject: Applicatlon for Correction of Military Recods
20 N O ~ 97
9763009
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Applicant's entire cas8 RIe has been reviewed and is forwarded with the following flndlngs,
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conduaibns and recommendations.
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REQUESTED ACTION: The applicant was discharged under the provisions of #I 364206
for conditions that lntarfere with military duties, mental disorder, after 1 year, 2 months, 24 days
lon active duty. He now applies requesting the records be changed to show a different reason
for discharge and to change his reentry code and separation cc~des.
FACTS: Records available for nMew show that the applicant beg& having sleep
disturbance within 2 months of corning on active duty relating to his lnablllty to adjust to the
mllltary settbg and reguldons. During 8 brief period of leave at home before being assigned to
Guam he did not experience these symptoms, but once In hi8 mael duty assignment the
problems resumed and prompted him to seek an adminisbatlve discharge. Wording of his
written request to hie cammender seeking his discharge raised concern about hla and his unit's
safety, and he was referred for mental health evaluatlon. This evaluetian and testing led to a
dkgnosid of personality disorder, not atherwise epecffied, with passive-aggmssive and self-
defeating traits. This, then, was used aa the basis for his subsequent dlschatge.
DISCUSSION: It Is dear from information in the m r d s and provided by the applicant that
he did not fit into the military libstyle and sufiered from Insomnia induaed by his consuming
desire to be released from his obligation. Whlle no perfomanae reports are recorded, he did
receive a Letter of Evaluatlan which addmsed his overall goad performance and a concern
only relating to his chronic fatigued state in relation to potential driving accidents. This,
basically, was the applicanfs wncern also: that he would came an accident due to hls sleeping
problems, not that ha had the potential to harm himself or others HlwlngIy. By the examining
psychologist's am admission, the testing performed in helplng arrhre at tha diagnosis was likely
invalid based on the response patterns made by the applicant. Therefore, the diagnosis, Itself,
must come under suspicion as being flawed or Invalid. It would seem mom I'eaSOnabl8 to have
anived at a dlagnorrh of Adjustment Dlsorder with Depressed Mood (DSM-N Code 309.0)
rather than Pemonalii Disorder, NOS (DSM-IV Code 301 .S) rdkting the applicant's inability
to adjust to the milbry setting. Changing this diagnosis to more closely indicate the true nafum
of applicant's disorder le indicated.
RECOMMENDATION: The Medical Consultant is dthe opinion that the records should be
changed to indicate in Item 28 ofthe DD Form 214 'Secretarial Authority' as no mechanism
eodsts cumntly to Wlect this diagnosis of adjustment disorder. The separation code should be
changed to WF but the mantry code should remain a8 is.
//S/&vEo i /
FREDERICK W. HORNICK, Col., USAF, MC, FS
Chief Medical Consultant, AFBCMR
Mediil Advisor SAF Personnel Council
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DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR pfoRCE
HUDQUARTERB AIR F RC5 ?ERSOXNEL CENTER
ORCE n u t TEXAS
,
RANDOLPH AIR
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FROM: HQ AFpclDPPAES
550 C StFeet W& Ste IO
Randolph AFB TX 781504712
A review of applicaat's ca8e file w89 condactad 'Iht appiicant reoeived an horrorable,
involuntary separation. Therefore, Reenlistment Eligibility (RE) Code "2C" is comct.
DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE
WASHINGTON, DC
Office of the Assistant Secretary
AFBCMR 97-03009
JUL 2 7 1998
MEMORANDUM FOR THE CHIEF OF STAFF
Having received and considered the recommendation of the Air Force Board for Correction
of Military Records and under the authority of Section 1552, Title 10, United States Code (70A
Stat 1 16), it is directed that:
records of the Department of the Air Fo
corrected to show that at the time of his
24 May 1996, the narrative reason for his discharge was Secretarial Authority and the Separation
Program Designator (SPD) code was KFF.
Air Force Review Boards Agency
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