IN THE CASE OF:
BOARD DATE: 6 August 2014
DOCKET NUMBER: AR20140011782
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 applicant's submissions and records for evidence of inappropriate changes in the diagnosis of an 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 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 unanimous vote that there should be no change to the applicant's disability and retirement determination.
2. The SRP considered the appropriateness of changes in the 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 a disability rating recommendation in accordance with VASRD section 4.130.
3. The SRP noted that the VA examiner diagnosed somatoform disorder and a mood disorder. The Medical Evaluation Board and PEB adjudicated undifferentiated somatoform disorder and a single episode of major depressive disorder. The action officer opined that this represents a refinement of the diagnosis and that no change in the PEB diagnosis is warranted. The SRP determined that this applicant did not meet the inclusion criteria in the Terms of Reference of the MH Review Project.
4. The SRP considered the appropriate rating in accordance with VASRD section 4.130. The PEB adjudicated in accordance with the VA recommendation as part of the Integrated Disability Evaluation System process, a 70 percent disability rating. The SRP agreed that the level of function in evidence at separation did not warrant a higher rating.
5. 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) AR20140011782
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ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
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