AIR FORCE DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD DECISIONAL RATIONALE 

I 

FD2002-0047 

GENERAL:  The applicant appeals to change the reason and authority for the discharge. 

The  applicant  was  offered  a  personal  appearance before  the  Discharge Review  Board  but  declined  to 
exercise this right. 

The attached brief contains available pertinent data on the applicant and the factors leading to the discharge. 

FINDINGS:  Change of reason and authority for discharge are denied. 

The Board finds that neither evidence of record nor that provided by the applicant substantiates an inequity 
or impropriety that would justify a change of discharge. 

Issue.  Applicant  received  an  Honorable  discharge based  on  a  personality disorder  that  interfered with 
military service but did not medically disqualify her.  Additionally member had an Article 15 for disorderly 
conduct  and  making  a  false  official  statement,  had  a  referral  “2” Enlisted  Performance  Report,  and 
exceeded Weight and Body Fat Measurement Program  standards.  Applicant contends the discharge was 
improper because she did not have a personality disorder, and implies that the record does not support the 
reason for discharge.  She states she was unhappy in the military because of a work-related incident she felt 
was improperly handled, and having a supervisor who didn’t like her.  Records review disclosed member 
was a patient of the Mental Health Clinic from September 1998 through the time of her discharge.  Before 
the discharge was recommended,  it was determined by  the Air Force Chief of Mental Health Services at 
member’s duty location, along with a civilian psychiatrist and civilian psychologist, that member had  an 
adjustment disorder with  mixed  anxiety,  depressed  mood,  and  a schizoid personality disorder.  This was 
deemed related to distress about a pending permanent change of station to Korea, and  member’s concern 
about having to work in close proximity to others and  live with a roommate.  The clinicians stated that  if 
member were  sent  to Korea  she would  be  unlikely  to  successhlly  complete the  assignment due  to  her 
aversion to associating with  other people,  and that  member had  a poor  prognosis  for  long term  military 
functioning because increased supervisory responsibility would be incompatible with her diagnosis.  At the 
time  of  discharge  member  consulted legal  counsel but  chose not  to  submit  matters  in  her  own behalf. 
Through the records review the Board confirmed member’s ability to hnction in  a  military  environment 
was impaired, and could not find an impropriety or an inequity upon which to base a change in reason or 
authority for the discharge. 

CONCLUSIONS:  The Discharge Review Board  concludes that  the  discharge was  consistent with  the 
procedural  and  substantive requirements of the  discharge regulation  and  was within  the discretion of the 
discharge authority and that the applicant was provided full administrative due process. 

In view of the foregoing findings the board hrther concludes that there exists no legal or equitable basis to 
change the reason or authority for the discharge, thus the applicant’s discharge should not be changed. 

Attachment: 
Examiner’s Brief 

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE 

AIR FORCE DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD 

ANDREWS AFB, MD 

FD2002-0047 

(Former SRA) (HGH SRA) 

1.  MATTER UNDER REVIEW:  Appl rec’d  a Honorable Disch fr USAF 99/08/25 UP AFI 
36-3208, para 5.11.1  (Personality Disorder). 
Authority for Disch. 

Appeals for a Change in Reason and 

2.  BACKGROUND: 

a. DOB: 70/04/12.  Enlmt Age: 24 4/12. 
AFQT: N/A.  A-22,  E-93,  G-88,  M-51. PAFSC 
Systems Operations Journeyman. DAS: 95/05/17. 

Disch Age: 29 4/12. Educ:HS DIPL. 
3C051 -  Communications-Computer 

b.  Prior Sv:  (1) AFRes 94/08/18 -  94/12/07  ( 3  months 20 days) (Inactive). 
(2) Enlisted as A1C 94/12/08 for 4 yrs.  Svd: 3 yrs 4 months 

0  days, all AMs.  SRA -  97/04/08.  EPRs: 5 , s .  

3.  SERVICE UNDER REVIEW: 

1

1

 

a.  Reenlisted as SRA 98/04/09 for 4 yrs. Svd: 01 Yrs 04 Mo 16 Das, all 

AMs. 

b.  Grade Status:  none. 

c.  Time Lost:  none. 

d.  Art 1 5 ’ s :  

(1) 98/10/06, David-Monthan AFB, AZ -  Article 107.  -JU, 

did, on or about 17 Sep 98, with intent to deceive, 
make to MSgt  -------,   an official statement, to wit: 
that you had not made a telephone call, to Mrs. ------, 
which statement was totally false, and was then known 
by you to be so false.  Article 134.  You, were, on or 
about 16 Sep 98, disorderly in that you called Mrs.---- 
- - -  residence screaming and yelling, which conduct was 
of a nature to bring discredit upon the armed forces. 
Reduction to A1C  (suspended until 04 Feb 99), 
forfeiture of $100.00 pay per month for two months 
(suspended until 04 Feb 99), 7 days extra duty, and a 
reprimand. (No appeal) (No mitigation) 

e.  Additional :,  none. 
f.  CM:  none. 

g.  Record of SV: 97/07/16 -  98/07/15  Davis-Monthan AFB  4  (Annual) 

98/07/16 -  99/07/15  Davis-Monthan AFB  2  (Annua1)REF 

FD2002-0047 

(Discharged from Davis-Monthan AFB 

h.  Awards &  Decs:  AFLSAR, AFTR, NDSM, AFOUA, AFGCM. 
i.  Stmt of Sv:  TMS: ( 0 5 )   Yrs  ( 0 0 )   Mos  (08) Das 
TAMS:  (04) Yrs  ( 0 8 )   Mos  (17) Das 

4.  BASIS ADVANCED FOR REVIEW:  Appln  (DD Fm 293) dtd 02/01/28. 

(Change Discharge to Honorable) 

Issue 1:  On August 25, 1999, I received an honorable and involuntary 
discharge from the Air Force.  The reason for separation on my DD-214 is 
"personality disorder". (sic)  I want this changed because I believe the 
diagnosis is inaccurate; and having it on my DD-214 may limit my future 
employment options. 

I started going for counseling in September of 1998 at the base mental health 
Before that time I had not received any mental health counseling either 
center. 
on or off base.  I started going because of work related problems.  There was a 
work-related incident I felt was handled in a way that was very unfair to me, 
and I found out a person who had always disliked me was going to be my new 
supervisor. 

These things completely changed my attitude about my job and about the Air 
Force.  I hated going to work after that, I hated my job duties, I hated the 
people who had treated me so badly, and I hated the Air Force.  I had just re- 
enlisted in April of 1998, but after September I was looking forward to getting 
out.  I no longer had any desire to be promoted, I just wanted out. 

For several weeks I attended stress management and anger management at the base 
mental health center, and had individual counseling sessions until I left the 
Air Force in August of 1999.  But this never made me any less angry or any less 
depressed. 

I intended to stay in the Air Force until my term was up in April of 2002, but 
there was an unexpected opportunity to get out much sooner.  I received orders 
to go to Korea in May of 1999.  The counselor I was seeing at the time said I 
might not be deployable, and if I took some psychiatric tests he could find out. 
He implied I should exaggerate my normal personality traits, so that is what I 
did.  I didn't say anything that was not true, but I mentioned my tendency to be 
introverted and solitary as many times as I could.  So I got diagnosed with 
schizoid personality disorder.  , 
Although I was glad to be out of the Air Force, having the words "personality 
disorder" on my DD-214 was a problem right away.  I didn't like showing it to 
anyone.  I applied for a job with the state and claimed veteran status, and I 
think they never considered my application for that reason. 

After doing some research I became convinced the diagnosis was inaccurate, so  I 
This one showed 
went to the veterans' center and took another psychiatric test. 
that I have no mental illnesses.  I am enclosing a copy of it as evidence. 
Please review my case as soon as possible. 

ATCH 
1. Applicant's  Issues. 
2. DD Form  2 1 4 .  
3 .   Senatorial Correspondence. 
4. Privacy Act Consent  Form. 
5.  Congressional Response. 

FD2002-0047 

02/05/15/ia 

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR  FORCE 

HEADQUARTERS 355TH WING (ACC) 

DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR  FORCE BASE, ARIZONA 

MEMORANDUM FOR 355 WG/CC 

FROM:  355 WGIJA 

SUBJECT:  Legal Review of Proposed Discharge 

355 cs 

f SrA 

1.  LEGAL SUFFICIENCY:  I have reviewed the administrative discharge case file regarding 
espondent.  The proposed discharge is supported by the evidence. 
e the rights of the Respondent.  Therefore, the file is legally 

sufficient, subject to a medical determination that the Respondent is qualified for worldwide duty 
and separation. 

355 CS/CC, recommends the Respondent be discharged from the Air Force under AFI 

2.  BASIS FOR DISCHARGE AND REHABILITATIVE MEASURES:  M 
-, 
36-3208, paragraph 5.1 1.1  mental disorders, without probation and rehabilitation.  He 
recommends the Respondent’s service be characterized as honorable.  The basis for the proposed 
discharge is the Respondent’s diagnosed Adjustment Disorder with Mixed Anxiety and 
Depressed Mood and a Schizoid Personality Disorder that significantly interferes with her ability 
to function effectively in the military.  This disorder was diagnosed in the course of an evaluation 
occurring on 1 Jun 99.  The diagnosis and opinion of the evaluating mental health professional 
support the existence of a mental disorder so severe that it significantly interferes with the 
Respondent’s continued military service. 

3.  SERVICE HISTORY:  The Respondent has been on active duty for approximately 4 years 
and 8 months.  She has four enlisted performance reports with overall ratings of 2,4,5, and 5. 
The Respondent’s awards and decorations includes National Defense Service Medal and Air 
Force Training Ribbon. 

4.  RESPONDENT’S CASE:  The Respondent consulted counsel and waived her right to 
submit statements in her behalf. 

5.  CHARACTERIZATION OF SERVICE:  If you determine there are sufficient grounds to 
discharge the Respondent, you must decide whether she should be retained or discharged.  The 
mental health diagnosis warrants her discharge.  Pursuant to AFI 36-3208, paragraph 5.1 1.1, an 
airman found to have a mental disorder can be discharged if there is a mental health report 
indicating the disorder significantly interferes with continued military service.  Based upon the 
information contained in the file, the Respondent’s ability to adapt and function in the military is 
indeed significantly impaired by her Adjustment Disorder and Schizoid Personality Disorder.  It 
is evident from the report the Respondent’s continued service will be significantly impaired by 

Global Power for America 

the severity of her disorders.  If you choose to separate the Respondent, you must characterize her 
service as honorable.  No other service characterization is authorized.  Probation and 
rehabilitation is authorized in this case in accordance with AFI 36-3208, Chapter 7.  However, 
given the mental health report, it does not appear likely she would be able to adapt to and 
satisfactorily perform in the military. 

6.  OPTIONS:  As the Separation Authority you may: 

a.  Discharge the Respondent with an honorable service characterization, with or without 

probation and rehabilitation; or 

b.  Retain the Respondent. 

7.  RECOMMENDATION: I recommend you discharge the Respondent with an honorable 
service characterization, without probation and rehabilitation.  If you elect any of the other 
options, please return the package to this office.  If you have any questions, please call Capt 

t 228-5242. 

Staff Judge Advocate 

Lt Col, USAF 

Attachment : 
Case File 

, 

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE 

355"' COMMUNICATIONS SQUADRON (ACC) 
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR  FORCE BASE, ARIZONA 

MEMORANDUM FOR S 

FROM:  CC 

SUBJECT:  Notification Memorandum 

a 

355 cs 

U 

1.  I am recommending your discharge from the United States Air Force for conditions that 
interfere with military service, specifically mental disorders.  The authority for this action is 
AFPD 36-32 and AFI 36-3208, paragraph 5.1 1.1.  If my recommendation is approved, your 
service will be characterized as honorable. 

2.  My reason for this action is that on or about 1 Jun 99, you were diagnosed with an Adjustment 
Disorder with Mixed Anxiety and Depressed Mood and a Schizoid Personality Disorder that 
significantly impair your ability to function effectively in the military. 

3.  Copies of the documents to be forwarded to the separation authority in support of this 
recommendation are attached.  The commander exercising SPCM jurisdiction or a higher 
authority will decide whether you will be discharged or retained in the Air Force and, if you are 
discharged, how your service will be characterized. If you are discharged, you will be ineligible 
for reenlistment in the Air Force and will probably be denied enlistment in any component of the 
armed forces and any special pay, bonus, or education assistance funds may be subject to 
recoupment. 

4.  You have the right to consult counsel.  Military legal counsel, Capt 
3rd floor, west end, extension 
scheduled for you to consult him on 
counsel, you have the right to 

building 35 10, 
to assist you.  An appointment has been 
at  0800  hours.  In addition to military 
at your own expense. 

5.  You have the right to submit statements in 
separation authority to consider must reach 
extension for good cause shown.  I wiu 

- 

Any statements you want the 

and receive an 

6.  If you fail to consult counsel or to submit statements in your own behalf, your failure will 
constitute a waiver of your right to do so. 

7.  You have been scheduled for a medical examination.  You must report to the Physical Exams 
Office of the Aeromedical 
for the 
o m 0  
examination.  433 

G l o b a l   Power  For  America 

on  b 9 99 

8.  You have been scheduled for an initial outprocessing briefing.  You must report to the 
//o('Jh,-s 
Military Personnel Flight (MPF), Separations Element, Bldg 3200, Rm  14, at 

for the outprocessing briefing. 

9.  Any personal information you fbmish in rebuttal is covered by the Privacy Act of 1974.  A 
copy of AFI 36-3208, is available for your use at the Area Defense Counsel's office, bldg 3510. 

IO.  Execute the attached acknowledgment and return it to me immediately. 

Attachments: 
1.  Medical Statement, 9 Jun 99 
2. Airman's Receipt of Notification Letter