IN THE CASE OF:
BOARD DATE: 11 June 2014
DOCKET NUMBER: AR20140008002
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 (MH) 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 MH diagnosis was changed during that process.
3. The applicant submitted an application through the Department of Defense (DOD) Physical Disability Board of Review (PDBR) MH 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 MH condition during processing through the military disability system
2. The DOD memorandum, dated 27 February 2013, directed the Service Secretaries to conduct a review of MH 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.
3. In the processing of this case, an advisory opinion was obtained from the PDBR SRP and the applicant was provided a copy.
4. The applicant did not respond to the advisory opinion.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS:
1. After a comprehensive review of the applicant's case, the SRP determined by majority vote that there should be no change to the applicant's disability and retirement determination. The single voter for dissent did not elect to submit a minority opinion.
2. The SRP considered the appropriateness of changes in the applicant's MH diagnoses; Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) fitness determination; and if unfitting, whether the provisions of Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) section 4.129 were applicable and whether a disability rating recommendation was made in accordance with VASRD section 4.130.
3. The SRP considered that the applicant had been diagnosed with and was being treated for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) beginning at the time of entry into the Disability Evaluation System and that the diagnosis continued to be recorded during his processing through the Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) and PEB. The SRP concluded that the diagnosis had not been changed to the applicant's disadvantage in the disability process. Therefore, the applicant did not meet the inclusion criteria of the Terms of Reference of the MH Review Project.
4. The SRP next considered if there was evidence for a VASRD section 4.130 rating higher than the PEB's 50 percent at time of Temporary Disability Retired List (TDRL) entry. The SRP considered and agreed that the record in evidence best supported the 50 percent rating for TDRL entry and there was insufficient evidence for recommending a higher TDRL entry rating. Additionally, the SRP agreed that the diagnosis of PTSD with a rating of 50 percent at TDRL entry was appropriate.
5. The SRP considered if there was evidence for a VASRD section 4.130 rating higher rating than 30 percent at time of permanent retirement.
6. After due deliberation in consideration of the preponderance of the evidence, the SRP majority concluded that the diagnosis of PTSD and bipolar disorder with application of a VASRD section 4.130 rating of 30 percent at permanent retirement was appropriate.
7. The available evidence shows the SRP's 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 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
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
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ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20140008002
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ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
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