Allow me to share my personal experience.
I was discharged from the Air Force about eight years who under an administrative provision for "adjustment disorder." Prior to being separated, I was being treated by the Air Force mental health team for nearly one year. During this time, many different diagnoses were put into my chart. Eventually, the military medical team landed on "Adjustment Disorder with Mixed Emotional Features (At the time of my discharge, this specific medical condition was not eligible for a PEB/MEB. It is now, however). One day after separating from the Air Force, the Department of Veterans Affairs diagnosed me with service-connected Bi-Polar Disorder.
Upon receiving this determination by the VA, I petitioned the AFBCMR arguing that I was erroneously discharged "administratively" (under Adjustment Disorder. I argued I should have been diagnosed with Bi-Polar Disorder) and should have been given an MEB/PEB process (for Bi-Polar) while on active duty and subsequently medically retired. I heard nothing for over a year when one day, out of the blue, I received a copy of the AFBCMR Advisory Opinion. The mental health doctor who wrote the advisory opinion agreed with me. In doing so, she referenced my entire medical history. She appeared to look at this in-depth. She even congratulated me on my dedication to obtaining a degree post-discharge. The end result, I was granted medical retirement and placed on TDRL and then subsequently on the PDRL.
So in my instance, it did appear as though all the evidence was read and considered. I, of course, submitted only relevant evidence. I also have legal training (at the time, I was a first-year law student) so I was somewhat familiar with the laws and regulations (burden of proof, timelines, etc).
Hope this helps. I agree with others, BCMR processes should never be handled alone. You should consult with someone. The board may reconsider an application if the applicant submits newly discovered relevant evidence that was not available when the application was previously considered so if you have such evidence, I recommend talking to an attorney.
I am more than happy to answer any questions you may have.
