AIR FORCE DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD DECISIONAL DOCUMENT  
	CASE NUMBER

 FD-2016-00280	
					
GENERAL:  The applicant was discharged on 26 Aug 14 in accordance with AFI 36-3208 with an Entry Level Separation for Discharge - Failed Medical/Physical Procurement Standards.  The applicant appealed for an upgrade of his discharge characterization to Honorable, a change to the discharge narrative reason, and a change to the reenlistment eligibility code.  The board was conducted on 12 Jan 18.  

The applicant was offered a personal appearance before the Discharge Review Board (DRB), but declined and requested the board be completed based on a records only review.  The applicant was not represented by counsel.   

The attached examiner’s brief (provided to applicant only), extracted from available service records, contains pertinent data regarding the circumstances and character of the applicant’s military service. 
  
FINDING:  The DRB voted unanimously to change the applicant’s discharge narrative reason to “Secretarial Authority” and to change his reenlistment eligibility code to “3K.”

DISCUSSION:  The DRB, under its responsibility to examine the propriety and equity of an applicant’s discharge, is authorized to change the characterization of service and the reason for discharge if such changes are warranted.  If applicable, the board can also change the applicant’s reenlistment eligibility code.  In reviewing discharges, the board presumes regularity in the conduct of governmental affairs unless there is substantial credible evidence to rebut the presumption, to include evidence submitted by the applicant.  The board completed a thorough review of the circumstances that led to the discharge and the discharge process to determine if the discharge met the pertinent standards of equity and propriety.  

The applicant’s record of service included a medical determination that he was ineligible for military service due to a pre-service diagnosis of eczema.  

The applicant contended the discharge was improper because he was discharged for having a history of eczema after his twelfth birthday, which was not true.  The applicant indicated he was treated for eczema once at age twelve, but was never actually diagnosed with it.  Additionally, a senior Air Force dermatologist later confirmed he did not have eczema and was misdiagnosed.  The applicant also submitted a letter from his recruiter that corroborated his contentions and included an apology for not obtaining an appropriate medical waiver for the applicant when he enlisted.  

In accordance with AFI 36-3208, Airmen are in entry level status during the first 180 days of continuous active military service.  If separated during this time, they normally receive an Entry Level Separation that is not characterized.  Because it is Air Force policy to not characterize this type of separation, the applicant’s request to “upgrade” it to Honorable could not be approved.  

However, the DRB did determine relief was warranted in this case based upon the evidence presented, even though the discharge was determined to have been otherwise equitable and proper at the time of issuance.  

CONCLUSION:  The board determined the discharge narrative reason was more accurately described as “Secretarial Authority” and the reenlistment eligibility code should be changed to “3K.”        

The DRB results were approved by the board president on 28 Feb 18.  If desired, the applicant can request a list of the board members and their votes by writing to:  SAF/MRBR (CITU), 550-C Street West, Suite 41, Randolph AFB, TX  78150-4743.
  
Attachment:
Examiner's Brief