IN THE CASE OF:
BOARD DATE: 30 October 2013
DOCKET NUMBER: AR20130018445
THE BOARD CONSIDERED THE FOLLOWING EVIDENCE:
1. Application for correction of military records (with supporting documents provided, if any).
2. Military Personnel Records and advisory opinions (if any).
THE APPLICANT'S REQUEST, STATEMENT, AND EVIDENCE:
1. The applicant requests a review of the military disability evaluation pertaining to a mental health condition.
2. The applicant states, in effect, the case file should be reviewed in accordance with the Secretary of Defense directive for a comprehensive review of members who were referred for a disability evaluation between 11 September 2001 and
30 April 2012 and whose mental health diagnosis was changed during that process.
3. The applicant submitted an application through the Department of Defense (DOD) Physical Disability Board of Review (PDBR) Mental Health Special Review Panel (SRP).
CONSIDERATION OF EVIDENCE:
1. The PDBR SRP conducted a comprehensive review of the applicants submissions and records for evidence of inappropriate changes in the diagnosis of a mental health condition during processing through the military disability system. A copy of the SRP recommendation was forwarded to the applicant.
2. The DOD memorandum, dated 27 February 2013, directed the Service Secretaries to conduct a review of mental health diagnoses for service members completing a disability evaluation process between 11 September 2001 and
30 April 2012 in order to determine if service members were disadvantaged by a changed diagnosis over the course of their physical disability process.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS:
1. After a comprehensive review of the applicants case, the SRP determined by unanimous vote that there would be no change to her disability and retirement determination.
2. The SRP reviewed the records for evidence of inappropriate changes in the diagnosis of the applicant's mental health conditions during processing through the Disability Evaluation System (DES). The available records show that a diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) was rendered first in October 2010. At the time of processing through the DES, depression and PTSD were identified by the Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) and Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) and no adverse change in diagnosis was made at any time. This case therefore did not appear to meet the criteria for the Terms of Reference for the Mental Health Diagnosis Review Project.
3. The SRP also considered whether the mental conditions, regardless of specific diagnoses, were unfitting for continued military service. All panel members agreed that the evidence of record reflected minimal symptoms and reasonably good duty performance (as related to mental functioning) in the period of time including active duty subsequently leading up to the MEB.
4. After due deliberation and having reviewed the entirety of the record, the SRP concluded that the PEBs determination was correct in that the applicant's mental health conditions were not unfitting at the time of separation and not subject to a disability rating.
5. The available evidence shows the SRPs assessment should be accepted.
BOARD VOTE:
________ ________ ________ GRANT FULL RELIEF
________ ________ ________ GRANT PARTIAL RELIEF
________ ________ ________ GRANT FORMAL HEARING
____X___ ____X___ ___X__ _ DENY APPLICATION
BOARD DETERMINATION/RECOMMENDATION:
The evidence presented does not demonstrate the existence of a probable error or injustice. Therefore, the Board determined that the overall merits of this case are insufficient as a basis for correction of the records of the individual concerned.
_______ _ X ______ ___
CHAIRPERSON
I certify that herein is recorded the true and complete record of the proceedings of the Army Board for Correction of Military Records in this case.
ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20040003532
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ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS
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ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20130018445
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ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS
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