disability is the cause, or a substantial contributing cause, of the misconduct that might result in a discharge under other than honorable conditions, or if other circumstances warrant disability processing instead of alternate administrative action.
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. During
the period of time in question, similar psychiatric
symptomatology was categorized as hysterical 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. While
PTSD was not recognized as a specific illness at the
time of the applicant's separation from the service, the
fact that an individual might not be fit for further
military service because of psychosis, psychoneurosis,
or neurological disorders was outlined in Army
Regulation 40-501 which was in effect at the time of his
separation. The Army here established standards and
procedures for determining fitness for retention and
utilized those procedures and standards in evaluating
individuals at that time. The specific diagnostic label
given to an individual's condition a decade or more
after his discharge from the service may change, but any
change does not call into question the application of
then existing fitness standards.
DISCUSSION: Considering all the evidence, allegations, and information presented by the applicant, together with the evidence of record, applicable law and regulations, and advisory opinion(s), it is concluded:
1. The applicant has provided no new information, nor probative evidence, nor a convincing argument in support of this request. The physician who examined the applicant determined that while the applicant was depressed and his thinking confused, he was mentally responsible and met the medical retention standards and was qualified for separation.
2. While the applicant may now suffer from PTSD, there is no evidence of record nor has the applicant provided evidence to indicate that he suffered from a mental disorder of such severity, regardless of the diagnostic terminology in use at the time, that rendered him unable to reasonably perform the duties of his office, grade, or rank. He is therefore not entitled to physical disability retirement or separation.
3. Notwithstanding the above information, the applicant could not have been processed for physical disability retirement or separation unless approved by the officer exercising general court-martial jurisdiction over the soldier. The applicant requested discharge for the good of the service in lieu of court-martial, and that request was approved by the separation authority who directed that he receive an undesirable discharge.
4. In order to justify correction of a military record the applicant must show to the satisfaction of the Board, or it must otherwise satisfactorily appear, that the record is in error or unjust. The applicant has failed to submit evidence that would satisfy the aforementioned requirement.
5. 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
Karl F. Schneider
Acting Director
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