IN THE CASE OF:
BOARD DATE: 3 December 2014
DOCKET NUMBER: AR20140018845
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 mental health diagnosis was changed during that process.
3. The applicant submitted an application through the 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.
2. The Department of Defense 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.
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 applicants case, the SRP determined by unanimous vote that there should be no change of the applicants disability and separation determination.
2. The SRP reviewed the records for evidence of inappropriate changes in the
diagnosis of the MH condition during processing through the military Disability Evaluation System Pilot (P) (PDES) program. The evidence of the available records shows the diagnoses of cognitive disorder not otherwise specified (NOS) and adjustment disorder with depressed mood were the only diagnoses rendered during the PDES process. The SRP agreed there were no changes in diagnosis and, therefore, the applicant did not meet the inclusion criteria in the Terms of Reference of the MH Review Project.
3. The SRP agreed that the evidence of the record reflected minimal MH-related symptoms. Adjustment disorder with depressed mood was a condition that did not constitute a physical disability. The applicant was never hospitalized psychiatrically, did not report suicidal or homicidal thoughts, was never seen in the emergency room for MH concerns, and had no history of domestic violence. There was no clinical evidence that her condition caused significant impairment in social or occupational functioning. She had a history of abuse and suicidal ideation that preceded her entry into the Army and family and marital problems after joining the Army. She acknowledged the role these played in her depression. The commanders letter noted she needed more time for tasks because of diminished attention only when significantly stressed, but she had effective work relationships with supervisors and coworkers. Additionally,
adjustment disorder was never profiled, and cognitive disorder was profiled as S2 (previously profiled as S3 February 2010, 2 years prior to separation).
4. After due deliberation in consideration of the preponderance 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 none were subject to 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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ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20140018845
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