Expert: Rod Powers - 6/5/2007

Question
I served 2.5 years AD AF, discharged 18NOV03. To cut through the BS, I was diagnosed with "Adjustment Disorder" and that led to my discharge, despite an exemplary record of service that included BTZ nomination, 8 ribbons and medals, completion of 5-level CDC's within one year on-station, etc. At any rate, 3+ years later I appeal my discharge to the AFBCMR, and through some divine intervention, managed to get my SPN code changed from JFX to JFF, and my Narrative (Block 28) changed to "Secretarial Authority". (RE code remains 2C.) The problem, of course, is that I dont know whether MEPS is going to look at the original reason for discharge and PDQ me, or whether the change to Secretarial Authority will give me a better shot. I'm looking at the Army Reserve or Guard, by the way. Do you know how the system works? Will my new DD 214 offer a better shot at reenlistment, or am I pretty much boned for life because once upon a time I checked into Life Skills?

Thanks ahead of time for any wisdom you may have on this matter.

Answer
Hi Heidi,

Getting the discharged changed doesn't alter the fact that you were once diagnosed (presumbably by a psychiatrist or psychologist) as to having a mental health condition (adjustment disorder).

This is something you are required to report to MEPS as part of your medical history.

You can read about the process in my article at: http://usmilitary.about.com/od/joiningthemilitary/a/medicalwaiver.htm

For more information about the United States Military, feel free to visit my U.S. Military Information Site at: http://usmilitary.about.com

Hope this helps!

Rod Powers
http://usmilitary.about.com