IN THE CASE OF:
BOARD DATE: 3 February 2015
DOCKET NUMBER: AR20150001268
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 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 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 review the records for evidence of inappropriate changes in diagnosis of the applicant's MH condition during processing through the Disability Evaluation System (DES) pilot program. The evidence of the available records shows the diagnosis of adjustment disorder with anxiety and depressed mood were rendered during the DES processing. There was no evidence that the applicant was given a Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder diagnosis. The SRP agreed there was no change in diagnoses and, therefore, the applicant did not meet the inclusion criteria for the Terms of Reference.
3. The SRP considered whether any mental condition, regardless of specific diagnosis, was unfitting for continued military service. The adjustment disorder with anxiety was not a physical disability and was not ratable in accordance with Department of Defense Instruction (DODI) 1332.38.
4. The SRP agreed that evidence of the record reflected minimal MH-related symptoms. The applicant was never hospitalized psychiatrically, never reported suicidal or homicidal thoughts, was never seen in the emergency room for mental health concerns, and there was no reported issues of domestic violence. There was no clinical evidence that her condition caused significant impairment in social or occupational functioning. The commander statement indicated applicants stress level was higher because of duty limitations and scheduling issues but did not indicate that it impaired her ability to perform her duties. Additionally, no MH condition was ever profiled.
5. After due deliberation in consideration of the preponderance of the evidence, the SRP concluded that there was insufficient evidence that any mental condition rose to the level of being unfitting at the time of separation and none were subject to service disability.
6. 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
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
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ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20150001268
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ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
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