RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS


IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2013-05314

		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  NO 



APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His uncharacterized service characterization be changed to 
honorable or medical.


APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

While attending technical training he was hospitalized five days, 
and diagnosed with an adjustment disorder, anxiety, and severe 
depression.  After being released from the hospital he was able to 
handle the stress to successfully complete his training; however, 
he was discharged without being provided an opportunity to prove 
himself.  He further states he did not have any issues prior to 
entering military service and that he continues to have anxiety 
attacks. 

The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at 
Exhibit A.


STATEMENT OF FACTS:

On 26 Mar 13, the applicant commenced his enlistment in the 
Regular Air Force.

On 28 Aug 13, the applicant’s commander notified him of his intent 
to recommend his discharge from the Air Force for a condition that 
interferes with military service.  The specific reason for the 
discharge was the applicant’s diagnosis of an adjustment disorder 
with mixed anxiety/depressed mood. The social worker and 
psychologist diagnosed the applicant’s condition as being so 
severe that his ability to function effectively in a military 
environment was significantly impaired.

On 28 Aug 13, the applicant acknowledged receipt of the action and 
waived his right to counsel and to submit a statement in his own 
behalf.

On 4 Sep 13, the legal office reviewed the case and found it 
legally sufficient to support separation and recommended the 
applicant be furnished an entry-level separation without probation 
and rehabilitation.

On 5 Sep 13, the discharge authority directed the applicant be 
furnished an entry-level separation with uncharacterized service.  
On 13 Sep 13, he was furnished an entry-level separation with 
uncharacterized service, and was credited with 5 months and 
18 days of total active service.


AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AETC/SGPS recommends denial indicating there is no evidence of an 
error or injustice.  The evidence of record reflects the 
applicant’s separation was done in accordance with established 
policy and administrative procedures.

A complete copy of the AETC/SGPC evaluation is at Exhibit C.

AFPC/DPSOR recommends denial noting Airmen are given an entry-
level separation with uncharacterized service when separation is 
initiated in the first 180 days of continuous active service.  The 
Department of Defense (DoD) determined it would be unfair to the 
member or the service to characterize a member’s limited service 
when separation is initiated within the first 180 days of active 
service.  The applicant’s service characterization, to include his 
separation code are correct and in accordance with the Department 
of Defense (DOD) policy.  The documentation in the applicant’s 
master personnel records indicates the discharge was consistent 
with the procedural and substantive requirements of the discharge 
instruction and was within the discretion of the discharge 
authority.  The applicant has not provided any evidence or 
identified any errors or injustices that occurred in the discharge 
processing to warrant changing his discharge, service 
characterization, or the narrative reason for separation. 

A complete copy of the AFPC/DPSOR evaluation is at Exhibit D.

The Medical Consultant recommends denial indicating there is no 
evidence of an error or an injustice noting based upon the limited 
supplied evidence, he finds the applicant has not met the burden 
of proof of an error or injustice that warrants changing his 
narrative reason to medical or honorable.  An adjustment disorder 
(acute) is listed among the conditions not considered a 
compensable disability; by Department of Defense (DOD) and Air 
Force.  However, mental disorders to include personality 
disorders, impulse control disorders and others are defined as 
conditions that interfere with duty performance or failure to 
adapt to military environment.  Therefore, individuals diagnosed 
with an acute adjustment disorder may be the subject of 
administrative discharge when the condition is so severe as to 
significantly impair his or her ability to function effectively in 
the military environment.

A chronic adjustment disorder, as outlined in the Veterans Affairs 
Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD), is a potentially 
compensable diagnosis if determined to cause career termination.  
An acute adjustment disorder is often considered a short-term 
diagnosis manifesting within three months of the identified 
external stressor and lasting no greater than six months.  The 
factors that may trigger the condition vary widely and include 
interpersonal relationship issues, any major life change, e.g., 
marriage, birth of a baby, loss or changing jobs, and death of a 
loved one.  The clinical symptoms vary but commonly include 
feelings of hopelessness, sadness, and anxiety.  Sometimes the 
individual may experience suicidal ideation, as in the case under 
review.  Usually, once the external precipitating stressor has 
been removed or the individual adapts to the stressor, a normal 
level of functioning is generally restored.  However, in the 
applicant’s case, it appears the precipitating factor was his 
longing to communicate with his family and his inability to 
receive leave in order to resolve his homesickness.  The mental 
health provider noted the applicant was likely to experience 
future episodes of depression and anxiety when confronted with 
similar or greater stressors; particularly in the context of the 
harsh and unpredictable operational conditions confronting all 
members of today's deployable force.

A complete copy of the AFBCMR Medical Consultant’s evaluation is 
at Exhibit E.


APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

Copies of the Air Force evaluations were forwarded to the 
applicant on 21 Jul 14 for review and comment within 30 days 
(Exhibit F).  As of this date, no response has been received by 
this office.


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 an error or injustice.  We took 
notice of the applicant’s complete submission in judging the 
merits of the case; however, we agree with the opinions and 
recommendations of the Air Force offices of primary responsibility 
(OPR) and adopt their rationale as the basis for our conclusion 
the applicant has not been the victim of an error or injustice.  
Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no 
basis to recommend granting the relief sought in this application.


THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT:

The applicant be notified the evidence presented did not 
demonstrate the existence of material error or injustice; the 
application was denied without a personal appearance; and 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 AFBCMR Docket Number 
BC-2013-05314 in Executive Session on 23 Sep 14, under the 
provisions of AFI 36-2603:

	, Panel Chair
	, Member
	, Member

The following documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 8 Nov 13, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.  Letter, AETC/SGPS, dated 3 Mar 14.
Exhibit D.  Letter, AFPC/DPSOR, dated 8 Apr 14.
Exhibit E.  Letter, AFBCMR Medical Consultant, dated
	27 May 14.
Exhibit F.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 21 Jul 14.

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