AIR FORCE DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD HEARING RECORD 

NAME OF SERVICE MEMBER (LAST, FlRST MIDDLE INITIAL) 
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1.-..-. 

TYPE 

GRADE 

AFSN/SSAN 

SRA 

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MEMBERS SITTING 

HEARING DATE 
03-05- 16 

CASE NUMBER 
FD2002-0485 

I 

2  APPLICATION FOR REVIEW OF DISCHARGE 
3  LETER OF NOTIFICATION 
q  BRIEF OF PERSONNEL FILE 

COUNSEL'S RELEASE TO THE BOARD 
ADDITIONAL EXHIBITS SUBMITTED AT  TIME OF 
PERSONAL A P P W C E  

TAPE RECORDING OF PERSONAL APPERANCE HEARING 

Case beard at Washington, D.C. 

Advise applicant of the decision of the Board, the right to a personal appearance witWwithout counsel, and the right to 
submit an application to the AFBCMR 

SM/MIBR 
550 C STREET WEST, SUITE 40 
R4NJXLPH AFB, TX 781 50-4742 

AFHQ FORM 0-2077, JAN 00 

(EF-V2) 

SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE PERSONNEL COUNCIL 
AIR FORCE DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD 
1535 COMMAND DR, EE WING, 3"D FLOOR 
ANDREWS AFB, MD 20762-7002 

Previous edition will be used. 

AIR FORCE DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD DECISIONAL RATIONALE  m2002-0485 

I CASE NUMBER 

I 

GENERAL:  The applicant appeals to change the reason and authority for the discharge, and to change her 
reenlistment code. 

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, and change of reenlistment code are denied. 

The Board finds that neither evidence of record nor that provided by the applicant substantiates an inequity 
or impropriety that would justifL 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.  Applicant  contends the  discharge was  improper 
because she believes she was incorrectly diagnosed, and implies that the record does not support the reason 
for discharge.  Records review disclosed member was a patient of the Mental Health Clinic from as early as 
November  30,  2000,  through  the  time  of  her  discharge,  about  a  7-month  period,  but  particularly  more 
frequently during the last 4 months of her enlistment.  She was hospitalized twice for suicidal gestures, the 
second time for drug overdose of two prescription medications, and she told her care providers she would 
"rather die than stay in the Air Force."  Before the discharge was recommended, it was determined by the 
Air  Force  Commander of  the  Behavioral  Health  Flight  at member's  duty  location that  member had  an 
adjustment disorder with  disturbance of emotion  and  conduct,  and  a  personality  disorder not  otherwise 
specified (borderline and dependent).  The Separation Authority at the time requested additional testing and 
evaluation of member before rendering a final decision.  Additional examination and diagnosis of member 
by the Chief of the Life Skill Support Center, a Clinical Psychologist, reconfirmed the earlier diagnoses and 
the  discharge went  forward.  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 
function in a military environment was impaired.  Her commander described her  behavior as disruptive, 
borderline insubordinate, confrontational,  and placing an  unsupportable burden  on the leadership of the 
unit,  as well as a negative impact on her flight.  The Board could not find an impropriety or an inequity 
upon which to base a change in reason or authority for the discharge, or the reenlistment code. 

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 further 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 

(Former SRA)  (HGH SRA) 

1.  MATTER  UNDER  REVIEW:  Appl recld a HON Disch fr USAF 16 Jul 01 UP AFI 36- 
3208, para 5.11.1  (Personality Disorder).  Appeals for RE Code Change and to 
Change the Reason and Authority for Discharge. 

a. DOB: 26 Aug 77. Enlmt Age:  19 2/12.  Disch Age:  23 10/12. Educ: HS DIPL. 
AFQT: N/A.  A-85,  E-76,  G-66,  M-60. PAFSC: 1W051 -  Weather Analyst Journeyman. 
DAS: 13 Sep 99. 

b.  Prior Sv:  (1) AFRes 20 Nov 96 -  18 Feb 97  ( 2  months 29 days) (Inactive) . 

3 .   SERVICE  UNDER  REVIEW: 

a.  Enlisted as AB  19 Feb 97 for 4 yrs. Ext:  14 Jul 99 for 19 months. 

Svd: 4 Yrs 4 Mos 28 Das, all AMS. 

b.  Grade Status:  SRA -  19 Feb 00 
A1C -  19 Jun 98 
AMN  -  19 A u ~  97 

c.  Time Last:  None. 

d.  Art  15's:  None. 

e.  Additional: None. 

f .   CM:  None. 

g.  Record of SV:  19 Feb 9 7 . -  18 Oct  98  Fort Lewis AIN  5  (Initial) 

19 Oct 98 -  04 Jul 99  Fort Lewis AIN  4  (CRO) 
05 Jul 99 -  04 Jul 00  Wheeler AA 
05 Jul 00 -  07 May 01  Wheeler AA 

5  (Annual) 
4  (CRO) 

(Discharged from Hickam AFB) 

h.  Awards &  Decs:  AFLSAR, AFTR, NATOM, AFOUA, AFGCM, AFOSLTR, AFSM, AFEM. 

i.  Stmt of Sv:  TMS:  (4) Yrs  (7) Mos  (27) Das 
TAMS:  (4) Yrs  (4) Mos  (28) Das 

4.  BASIS ADVANCED  FOR REVIEW:  Appln  (DD Fm 293) dtd 4 Nov 02. 

(Change RE Code and Reason and Authority for Discharge) 

Issue 1:  I believe my discharge to be based upon an isolated issue that 

occurred after over 4  years of outstanding service with no adverse action. 
After being discharged my life style and arrangements have not been complicated 
by any type of personality disorder and I believe that I was incorrectly 
diagnosed.  The separation code and reentry code are the parts of my discharge I 
am contesting. 

ATCH 
None. 

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE 

PACIFIC AIR FORCES 

MEMORANDUM FOR SRAi 

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........................................... 

1 25 ASOS 

11 Jul 01 

FROM:  25 ASOSICC 

SUBJECT:  Notification Memorandum - Addendum 

1.  On 5 Jul01, I notified you that I am recommending to the separation authority your dischaige 
from the United States Air Force for mental conditions that interfere with military service.  The 
authority for this action is AFPD 36-32, Military Retirements and Separations, and AFI 36-3208, 
Administrative Separation of  Ainnen, paragraph 5.1 1.1.  I notified you that if my discharge 
recommendation is approved, your service will be characterized as Honorable. 

2.  Since I initially notified you, additional information has been obtained that supports your 
discharge for mental conditions that interfere with military service. 

a.  On or about 4 Jun 01, you admitted yourself to the Tripler Army Medical Center (AMC) 

Emergency Room, complaining that you ingested all of your prescription medicine at once. 
Attached are medical records fiom Tripler AMC documenting the treatment and care you received 
on 4 Jun 01. 

b.  Over the past two months, your behavior has declined to the point that, at times, you have 

been borderline insubordinate.  There has been no indication that this behavior pattern will change 
in the foreseeable future. Your alleged attempted suidde and confi-ontational manner in recent 
weeks has had a negative impact on your flight and your repeated threats of suicide have placed 
an almost unsupportable burden on the leadership of your unit.  I have documented these 
observations in a Memorandum for Record (MFR), dated 3 Jul01, which is attached. 

3.  Copies of the documents to be forwarded to the separation authority in support of this 
recommendation are attached.  In spite of the additional information listed above, I am continuing 
to recommend your discharge for mental conditions that interfere with military service, and that 
you receive an Honorable discharge.  The commander exercising S P W  jurisdiction or higher 
authority will decide whether you will be discharged or retained in the Air Force.  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. 

4.  You have the right to consult counsel.  Military legal counsel, Capti.-. .-.-. .-.-. .-.-. ., 
Defense Counsel, Building 11 13,449-2149, has been obtained to assist you.  An  appointment has 
been scheduled for you to consult him on 12 Jal01 at 0900 hours. You may consult civilian 
counsel at your own expense. 

I  Area 

.................... 

5.  You have the right to submit statements in your own behalf.  Any statements you want the 
separation authority to consider must reach me by 16 Jul01 unless you request and receive an 
extension for good cause shown.  I will send them to the separation authority. 

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. Any personal information you fwnish in rebuttal is covered by the Privacy Act of 1974. A 
copy of MI 36-3208 is available for your use through your Commander's Support Staff. 

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

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Commander, 25 ASOS 

: 

2 Attachments: 
1.  Medical Records h m  Tripler AMC (8 pages) 
2.  MFR, SrAi 

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.................... 

:Duty Performance, 3 JulO1 

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE 

PACIFIC AIR FORCES 

SUBJECT:  Notification Memorandum 

1.  I am recommending your discharge &om the United States Air Force for mental conditions that 
interfere with military service.  The authority for this action is AF'PD 36-32, Military Retirements 
and Separations, and AFI 36-3208, Administrative Separation ofAinnen,  paragraph 5.1 1.1.  If my 
discharge recommendation is approved, your service will be characterized as Honorable. 
2.  My reason for this action is that on or about 16 May 01, Lt Colj- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -, 
: BSC, 
Commander, Behavioral Health Flight, diagnosed you as having the following disorders, as 
defined by the Diagnostic statistical  and @ISM),  4th Ed:  an Axis I adjustment disorder which 
causes disturbance of emotion and conduct; and an Axis I1 unspecified personality disorder. 
Lt Col - - - - - - - - - - - 
' in his 16 May 01 memorandum to me, states that he believes your discharge is in 
. . . . . . . . . . .) 
the best interest of the Air Force. 

.------------------ 

-4 

3.  Copies of the documents to be forwarded to the separation authority in support of this 
recommendation are attached.  The commaud~ exercisii SPCM jurisdiction or higher authority 
'will decide wheiher you willbe discharged or retained in the Air Force. 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. 

4.  You have the right to consult counsel.  Military legal counsel, Capt j- - - - - - - - - - - - - - 
Counsel, Building 1 113,449-2149, has been obtained to assist you.  An appointment has been 
scheduled for you to consult him on'8 Jan 01 at 1030 hours.  You may consult civilian counsel at 
your own expense. 

I...........-.- 1 Area Defense 

5.  You have the right to submit statements in your own behalf  Any statements you want the 
separation authority to consider must reach me by 12 Jnn 01 unless you request and receive an 
extension for good cause shown.  I will send them to the separation authority. 

6.  If you fail to consult counsel or to submit statements in your own behaif, Your fhilum wid ' 
constitute a waiver of your right to do so. 

7.  You have been scheduled for a medical examination.  You will report to Flight Medicine at the 
15" Medical Group a 8 Jun  01 at 0845 hours for examination.- 

8.  -It is mandatory that you contact Separations, located in the Military Personnel Plight, at 

449-2276, ext. 149 or  141, within 24 hours of receipt of this letter to set up an initial separations 
appointment. You are required to report to this appointment in uniform. 

9. Any personal information you hmish in rebuttal is covered by the Privacy Act of 1974. A 
copy of AFI 36-3208 is available for your use through your Commander's Support Staff. 

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

.------------------------------------------------ 

*.n 

2 Attachments: 
1.  Airman's Receipt of Notification Memorandum 
2.  Mental Health Evaluation, 4 June 01 

Commander, 25 ASOS 

m - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - * - - - - - - - .

. - - - - - - - - ,

 

- 

*' 

- 

.
- " .  
MEMORANDUM FOR 25 ASOS/CC 

'

 

SUBJECT: Receipt of Notification Memorandum 

sBa2-b V B '  

7 Jun 01 

1.  I  received the Notification Memorandum, dated 7 Jun 01, at 
Jun 01, informing me of processing according to AFPD 36-32, Military Retirements And Separations and 
Am 36-3208, Ahinistrative Separation of Airmen, for conditions that interfere with military service, 
specifically mental disorders, paragraph 5.1 1.1. 

hours on  87 

2.  I understand that I have the right to: 

L 

a.  Consult counsel. 

b.  Submit statements in my own behalf. 

c.  Waive either of the above rights. 

3.  I acknowledge that: 

a.  I have received copies of the documents to be forwarded to the separation authority in support of the 

recommendation for my discharge. 

b.  I have been given an appointment to consult military counsel. 

4.  1 understand that: 

a.  This action may result in my discharge from the Air Force with an Honorable discharge. 

b.  My failure to consult counsel or submit statements will constitute a waiver of my right to.do so. 

c.  I must make an initial separation appointment within 24 hours of receipt of this letter. 

d.  I must attend the physicai exam appointment ma&  for me. 

5.  1 understand that the Air Force is entitled to recoup a portion of education assistance, special pay, or bonus 
money which I received, if any, if I separate before completing the period of active duty I agreed to serve.  I 
understand this recoupment applies regardim whether I voluntarily separate or I am involuntarily discharged 
for misconduct.  I further understand:  (1)  Recoupment will apply regardless of the basis for involuntary 
discharge, if the reason for separation is not homosexual conduct (in which case, additional rules apply);  (2) 
The recoupment in all cases is an amount that bears the same ratio to the total amount or cost provided to me, 
as the unserved portion of active duty bears to the total period of active duty I agreed to serve; (3) That if I 
dispute that I am indebted for educational assistance, a board or other authority will make findings p d  
recommendations concerning the validity of the indebtedness. 

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25 ASOS