RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS
IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2003-03024
INDEX NUMBER: 108.00
XXXXXXX COUNSEL: NONE
XXXXXXX HEARING DESIRED: NO
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:
He be reinstated to active duty or in the alternative he receive severance
pay and disability compensation.
_________________________________________________________________
THE APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:
His condition never existed prior to his military service. He was never
diagnosed or treated for any mental disorder. It was not until August
2002, that he sought help. He was later diagnosed with obsessive-
compulsive disorder and placed on Prozac to combat the symptoms. There are
many members of the armed forces with the same disorder; however, due to
his position requiring his Personal Reliability Program (PRP) certification
he was discharged. His physician told him that if he were in a non-PRP
position, he would not be discharged. It appears the Air Force does not
want to spend the money to cross train him. Further, it is unjust to be
medically discharged without any compensation. His military service
ignited his condition and the Air Force is responsible for his diagnosis
and treatment.
In support of the appeal, applicant submits a statement from his spouse and
two physicians.
Applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A.
_________________________________________________________________
STATEMENT OF FACTS:
The applicant entered active duty in the Air Force on 13 February 2001 and
served as a missile and space systems maintenance apprentice. On 6 August
2002, he sought care in the Life Skills Support Center. On 20 August 2002,
a psychiatrist diagnosed him with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and
referred him to a Medical Evaluation Board (MEB). Based on the diagnosis
of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, the MEB recommended he appear before a
Physical Evaluation Board (PEB). On 11 March 2003, the commander
recommended his return to duty and cross training into a less physically
demanding career field. On 25 March 2003, an Informal PEB (IPEB) found him
unfit due to Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, existed prior to service (EPTS)
without service aggravation, and recommended his discharge. The applicant
did not agree with the IPEB findings and demanded a hearing of his case
before a Formal Physical Evaluation Board (FPEB). On 16 May 2003, the FPEB
agreed with the IPEB findings and recommendation. The applicant appealed
the FPEB findings to the Secretary of the Air Force Personnel Council
(SAFPC). The SAFPC upheld the findings of the FPEB on 12 August 2003. He
was honorably discharged on 6 October 2003, under the provisions of AFI 36-
3213 (Disability, Existed Prior to Service, PEB). He completed 2 years, 7
months, and 24 days of active service.
_________________________________________________________________
AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
The BCMR Medical Consultant recommends the application be denied and
states, in part, that applicant’s service medical records clearly show the
condition existed prior to military service having onset in childhood. He
experienced worsening symptoms when he merely anticipated training and
duties directly involving nuclear missiles. Although his symptoms were
controlled with medication, his is prone to exacerbations under similar
stresses. Since his symptoms improved with treatment, there is no evidence
his condition was permanently aggravated by service and would warrant
disability compensation.
The BCMR Medical Consultant evaluation is at Exhibit C.
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT’S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
He was labeled by an Air Force physician, placed on medication, and kicked
out onto the streets without compensation with which to purchase the
medication he became dependent upon. There is absolutely no evidence in
his civilian medical records stating anything about a mental disorder.
Applicant’s complete submission is at Exhibit E.
_________________________________________________________________
THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT:
1. The applicant has exhausted all remedies provided by existing law or
regulations.
2. The application was timely filed.
3. Insufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the
existence of error or injustice. We took notice of the applicant's
complete submission in judging the merits of the case; however, we agree
with the opinion and recommendation of the BCMR Medical Consultant and
adopt his rationale as the basis for our conclusion that the applicant has
not been the victim of an error or injustice. Therefore, in the absence of
evidence to the contrary, we find no compelling basis to recommend granting
the relief sought in this application.
_________________________________________________________________
THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT:
The applicant be notified that the evidence presented did not demonstrate
the existence of material error or injustice; that the application was
denied without a personal appearance; and that the application will only be
reconsidered upon the submission of newly discovered relevant evidence not
considered with this application.
_________________________________________________________________
The following members of the Board considered Docket Number BC-2003-03024
in Executive Session on 3 August 2004, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:
Ms. Olga M. Crerar, Panel Chair
Mr. John B. Hennessey, Member
Mr. James W. Russell, III, Member
The following documentary evidence was considered:
Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 8 Sep 03, w/atchs.
Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
Exhibit C. Letter, BCMR Medical Consultant, dated 8 Mar 04.
Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 19 Mar 04.
Exhibit E. Letter, Applicant, undated.
OLGA M. CRERAR
Panel Chair
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