IN THE CASE OF:
BOARD DATE: 15 October 2014
DOCKET NUMBER: AR20140015739
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 separation determination.
2. The SRP reviewed the records for evidence of inappropriate changes in diagnosis of the MH condition during processing through the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES). The evidence of the available records showed the diagnoses of chronic adjustment disorder with mixed disturbance of emotions and conduct and major depressive disorder (MDD) with psychotic features during processing through the IDES. The MDD diagnosis was eliminated; therefore, the applicant met the inclusion criteria in the Terms of Reference of the MH Review Project.
3. The SRP undertook a careful review of the clinical evidence and noted there was one single entry that recorded a diagnosis of depression. That entry did not record a depressed mood during the mental status evaluation (MSE). The applicant was admitted to the hospital for homicidal thoughts and was diagnosed with mood disorder not otherwise specified (NOS), and he reported symptoms consistent with depression; however, there was insufficient evidence that he met the diagnostic criteria for MDD.
4. The SRP acknowledged the assessment and diagnosis of MDD with psychotic features; however, there was insufficient clinical evidence to support that the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) diagnostic criteria were met. The MSE noted anger; he stated his normal mood was irritable and angry. The diagnosis of MDD requires a depressed mood and evidence of the presence of a depressed mood nearly every day for at least 2 weeks.
5. All SRP members agreed the preponderance of evidence at the time of separation did not support an MDD with psychotic features diagnosis. The SRP members concluded the diagnosis of chronic adjustment disorder with mixed disturbance of emotions and conduct was the appropriate diagnosis at the time of separation. The SRP also considered whether any mental condition, regardless of specific diagnosis, was unfitting for continued military service.
6. The SRP agreed that evidence of the record reflected minimal MH-related symptoms and no evidence that an MH condition affected his ability to perform occupational duties. No MH condition was ever profiled. After due deliberation, considering all of the evidence, the SRP concluded that there was insufficient evidence that any MH condition rose to the level of being unfitting at the time of separation and therefore none were subject to disability rating.
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) AR20140015739
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ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
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