| Mr. Loren G. Harrell | Director | |
| Ms. L. L. Harrison | Analyst |
| Mr. | Chairperson | |
| Mr. | Member | |
| Mr. | Member |
APPLICANT REQUESTS: In effect, reconsideration of his previous application to correct his records by upgrading his discharge to honorable.
APPLICANT STATES: In effect, his discharge should be upgraded to honorable for the time he spent in the service and under the circumstances of his condition. He served over two years in the Army without one blemish on his record until he went to Vietnam and spent two months and was burned and scared for life. He had second and third degree burns and then he was suffering from a nervous disorder which is now diagnosed as post tramatic stress disorder (PTSD). He has to take medication the rest of his life and can no longer work.
NEW EVIDENCE OR INFORMATION: Incorporated herein by reference are military records which were summarized in a memorandum of consideration (MOC) prepared to reflect the Board's original consideration of his case on 15 June 1983 (COPY ATTACHED).
The contention that he was suffering from a nervous disorder which is now diagnosed as PTSD constitutes new argument not previously considered by the Board.
PTSD, an anxiety disorder, was not recognized as a psychiatric disorder until 1980 with the publishing of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) III. The condition is described in the current DSM-IV, pages 424 through 427. While PTSD has only been categorized by psychiatrists as a distinct diagnosis since 1980, it has, as early as the Civil War, been described in psychological literature, variously labeled as shell shock, soldier's heart, effect syndrome, combat fatigue and traumatic neurosis. Although the current label of PTSD is of rather recent acceptance, the idea that catastrophes and tragedies can result in persistent emotional and psychological symptoms is common even among the lay public. Army Regulation 40-501 does not specifically categorize PTSD; however, it does address anxiety or neurotic disorders, which include PTSD, and provides that such disorders are unfitting only if persistence or recurrence of symptoms is sufficient to require extended or recurrent hospitalization, creates a necessity for limitations of duty or duty in a protected environment or resulting in interference with effective performance of military duty.
DISCUSSION: Considering all the evidence, allegations, and information presented by the applicant, together with the evidence of record, applicable law and regulations, it is concluded:
1. There is no evidence in the record that, at the time of his discharge, the applicant was suffering from a mental or emotional defect so severe that he could not tell right from wrong and adhere to the right, therefore, the PTSD
issue does nothing to demonstrate an injustice in the discharge.
2. The overall merits of the case, including the latest submissions and arguments are insufficient as a basis or the Board to reverse its previous decision.
3. In view of the foregoing, there is no basis for granting the applicant's request.
DETERMINATION: The applicant has failed to submit sufficient relevant evidence to demonstrate the existence of probable error or injustice.
BOARD VOTE:
________ ________ ________ GRANT
________ ________ ________ GRANT FORMAL HEARING
________ ________ ________ DENY APPLICATION
Loren G. Harrell
Director
| CASE ID | AC |
| SUFFIX | |
| RECON | YYYYMMDD |
| DATE BOARDED | YYYYMMDD |
| TYPE OF DISCHARGE | (HD, GD, UOTHC, UD, BCD, DD) |
| DATE OF DISCHARGE | YYYYMMDD |
| DISCHARGE AUTHORITY | AR . . . . . |
| DISCHARGE REASON | |
| BOARD DECISION | (NC, GRANT , DENY, GRANT PLUS) |
| REVIEW AUTHORITY | |
| ISSUES 1. | |
| 2. | |
| 3. | |
| 4. | |
| 5. | |
| 6. |
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