ADDENDUM TO
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF: 			DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2014-00106

						COUNSEL:  NONE

						HEARING DESIRED:  YES 

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

Reconsideration to have his under honorable conditions (general) discharge upgraded to honorable.

RESUME OF CASE:

By DD Form 149, Application for Correction of Military Record, dated, 7 January 2014, the applicant requested his general discharge be upgraded to honorable.  He stated, since his discharge he has been a productive member of society.  He has held progressively responsible positions of employment and attained significant educational accomplishments.  He accepts complete responsibility for the circumstances that precipitated his discharge, which arose from intense anxiety that caused him to indulge in alcohol to self-medicate.  On 21 November 2014, after thoroughly reviewing the applicant’s submissions and the evidence of record the Board considered and denied the applicant’s request noting there was no evidence of an error or injustice that occurred in the discharge processing.  Further, based on the available evidence of record, it appeared the discharge was consistent with the substantive requirements of the discharge regulation and within the commander's discretionary authority.  There was no evidence provided which led the Board to believe the applicant’s characterization of service was contrary to the provisions of the governing regulation, unduly harsh, or disproportionate to the offenses committed.  Additionally, the Board considered upgrading the discharge based on clemency; but found the evidence did not support upgrading the discharge on the basis of clemency.  For an accounting of the facts and circumstances surrounding his request, and the rationale for the earlier decision by the Board, see the Record of Proceedings, with exhibits A thru C, at Exhibit D.

By, application dated 15 May 2015, the applicant requests reconsideration of his original request to have his under honorable conditions (general) discharge upgraded to honorable based on new credible evidence.  In support of his request for reconsideration, the applicant provided a copy of the decision from the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) awarding him compensation for a service connected disability as well as an FBI investigative report.  The applicant also reiterates that since his discharge he has been a productive member of society.  He has been employed for over 21 years and achieved significant educational accomplishments.  He further states he no longer self-medicates with alcohol.  The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit E. 

THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT:

1.  In an earlier finding, the Board determined there was insufficient evidence to warrant any corrective action.  After thoroughly reviewing the additional documentation submitted in support of his appeal and the evidence of record, we do not believe the applicant has overcome the rationale expressed in the previous decision.  While the evidence provided indicates that the applicant has made a successful post-service adjustment in view of the seriousness of the offense committed during the period of service under review, we are not persuaded the characterization of his discharge should be upgraded based on clemency.  Therefore, in view of the above, and in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no basis upon which to recommend favorable reconsideration of the applicant’s request.  

2.  The applicant's case is adequately documented and it has not been shown that a personal appearance with or without counsel will materially add to our understanding of the issue(s) involved.  Therefore, the request for a hearing is not favorably considered.

THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT:

The applicant be notified the evidence presented did not demonstrate the existence of material error or injustice; the application was denied without a personal appearance; and the application will only be reconsidered upon the submission of newly discovered relevant evidence not considered with this application

The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2014-00106 in Executive Session on 24 May 16, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

	, Panel Chair
	, Member
	, Member

The following documentary evidence pertaining to AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2014-00106 was considered:

	Exhibit D.  Record of Proceedings, dated 21 Nov 14,
  w/Exhibits.
	Exhibit E.  DD Form 149, dated 12 May 15, w/atchs.