RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS
IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2003-01900
INDEX CODE: 110.02, 100.03
COUNSEL: NONE
HEARING DESIRED: NO
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:
His uncharacterized discharge be changed to a medical discharge.
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:
He was not properly discharged from the Air Force. After being
separated he was awarded social security disability for post traumatic
stress disorder, panic disorder with agoraphobic, obsessive-compulsive
behaviors, indicating detailed functional assessment reflecting the
claimant has poor ability to make occupational, performance and
personal social adjustments. This social security rating is a direct
result of his time on active duty, the reporting of two suicides that
occurred, and the harassment he received from his drill sergeant.
In support of his request, the applicant submits a copy of his Social
Security Disability Rating, Evaluation of the Evidence, and a copy of
DD Form 293, Application for the Review of Discharge or Dismissal from
the Armed Forces of the United States.
Applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A.
_________________________________________________________________
STATEMENT OF FACTS:
The applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force as an airman basic on
23 April 1997 for a term of 4 years. He was referred for mental
health evaluation on 2 May 1997 because of inability to follow simple
instructions, lack of motivation for training, and frequent use of
sick call. The mental health evaluation diagnosed generalized anxiety
disorder that existed prior to entering active duty. He reported a
significant history of anxiety and worry with the accompanying
symptoms of muscle tension, fatigue and low energy, difficulty
concentrating, shakiness, upset stomach, headaches and forgetfulness.
He stated he can remember having this problem since age 10 and it
created problems for him in his social life. He expressed not being
able to control the worry, worrying about a wide variety of things,
and having difficulties with sleep and appetite at times because of
his nervousness. During the 12th grade he spoke with the school
counselor once a week because of his nervousness and worry.
On 7 May 1997, the applicant was notified by his commander that she
was recommending that he be discharged from the Air Force for
involuntary convenience of the government. He was advised of his
rights in this matter, acknowledged receipt of the notification on the
same day, waived his right to consult counsel, and elected not to
submit statements on his own behalf. The package was reviewed by the
assistant staff judge advocate and found to be legally sufficient. On
12 May 1997, he was administratively discharged with an entry-level
separation under the provisions of AFI 36-3208, Administrative
Separation of Airman, (Personality Disorder) and issued an RE code of
2C “Involuntarily separated with an honorable discharge; or entry
level separation without characterization of service”. He served
twenty (20) days on active duty.
His social security psychology evaluation diagnosed him with having
post-traumatic stress disorder and panic disorder with agoraphobia and
some obsessive compulsive behaviors and stated the onset of his
symptoms was during military service. On 2 February 2002, he was
granted social security disability.
_________________________________________________________________
AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
The BCMR Medical Consultant reviewed applicant’s request and opined
that the narrative reason for discharge may be changed to “Failed
medical/physical procurement standards” (SPD) code JFW with and
accompanying RE code of 4C. The discharge would still remain an entry-
level separation with uncharacterized service.
The applicant’s DD Form 214 states the reason for discharge as
“personality disorder”. The DoD uses the term “personality disorder”
administratively to include discharge for all unsuiting character and
behavior disorders not falling under the purview of the disability
system. Since the applicant’s condition existed prior to service, he
was not eligible for evaluation in the disability system.
Since the applicant was not diagnosed with a personality disorder and
was further not noted to demonstrate maladaptive traits or misconduct
suggestive of a personality disorder, it is inaccurate to list the
narrative reason as personality disorder.
Although action and disposition in this case are proper and equitable
reflecting compliance with Air Force directives that implement the
law, the Board may consider changing his narrative reason for
discharge.
The Medical Consultant’s evaluation is at Exhibit C.
AFPC/DPPRSP concurs with the BCMR Medical Consultant and recommends
the narrative reason for separation be changed to “JFW-Failed
medical/physical procurement standards”.
The DPPRSP evaluation is at Exhibit D.
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
The applicant states that he disagrees with the BCMR Medical
Consultant’s advisory opinion. His complete submission is at Exhibit
F.
_________________________________________________________________
THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT:
1. The applicant has exhausted all remedies provided by existing law
or regulations.
2. The application was not timely filed; however, it is in the
interest of justice to excuse the failure to timely file.
3. Insufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate
the existence of an error or injustice in regard to his request that
his uncharacterized discharge be changed to a medical discharge. We
see no evidence, which would lead us to believe that at the time of
his separation, he suffered from a physical condition or disability
that disqualified him from worldwide service. Since there were no
disqualifying medical conditions at the time of his separation, we see
no reason why he would have been eligible for consideration in the
disability evaluation system. In the absence of persuasive evidence
to the contrary, the Board finds no compelling basis to recommend
granting the relief sought in this application.
4. Notwithstanding the aforementioned, we note that the BCMR Medical
Consultant has indicated that the narrative reason for his separation,
Personality Disorder, is inappropriate under the circumstances
surrounding the decision to separate him from the Air Force. We agree
with the BCMR Medical Consultant in this matter and believe that it
would be an injustice for him to continue to suffer the adverse
effects of such characterization. Accordingly, we recommend that his
records be corrected to the extent 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 on 12 May 1997, he was
separated with an uncharacterized entry-level separation under the
provisions of AFI 36-3208, (Failed Medical/Physical Procurement
Standards) with a separation code of "JFW" and a reenlistment
eligibility (RE) code of 4C.
_________________________________________________________________
The following members of the Board considered Docket Number BC-2003-
01900 in Executive Session on 3 February 2004, and on 2 March 2004,
under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:
Ms. Charlene Bradley, Panel Chair
Ms. Martha Maust, Member
Ms. Brenda L. Romine, Member
The following documentary evidence was considered:
Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 6 Jun 03, w/atchs.
Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
Exhibit C. Letter, BCMR Medical Consultant, dated 22 Sep 03.
Exhibit D. Letter, AFPC/DPPRSP, dated 30 Oct 03.
Exhibit E. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 19 Dec 03.
Exhibit F. Letter, Applicant, dated 16 Feb 04.
CHARLENE BRADLEY
Panel Chair
AFBCMR BC-2003-01900
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 116), it is directed that:
The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force
relating to APPLICANT, be corrected to show that on 12 May 1997, he was
separated with an uncharacterized entry-level separation under the
provisions of AFI 36-3208, (Failed Medical/Physical Procurement
Standards) with a separation code of "JFW" and a reenlistment eligibility
(RE) code of 4C.
JOE G. LINEBERGER
Director
Air Force Review Boards Agency
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