AIR FORCE DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD DECISIONAL DOCUMENT  
	CASE NUMBER

 FD-2016-00549	
					
GENERAL:  The applicant was discharged on 30 Dec 14 in accordance with AFI 36-3208 with a General discharge for Misconduct (Drug Abuse).  The applicant appealed for an upgrade of her discharge characterization to Honorable.  The board was conducted on 26 Oct 17.  

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.   

Pursuant to 10 USC §1553, the board included a member who is a clinical psychiatrist with training on mental health issues connected with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or traumatic brain injury (TBI), and training on mental health disorders.

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 approve the applicant’s request to upgrade her discharge characterization to Honorable, and to change the reenlistment eligibility code to 2C.  It did not vote to change the discharge narrative reason.

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 two Letters of Reprimand and one Letter of Admonishment.  Her misconduct included:  failure to report or call in for duty as required, driving her personal vehicle with a suspended license, wrongfully possessing a marijuana plant, and being too intoxicated to provide care for her child, who was placed in child protective services.

The applicant contended the discharge was improper due to a clerical error.  She stated the discharge was directed to be characterized as Honorable by the separation authority.

The DRB reviewed the applicant’s entire service record and found sufficient evidence of an impropriety.  The board noted her discharge was processed with the intent for her service to be characterized as Honorable.  Therefore, a clerical error was made when it was characterized as General on her DD Form 214.  

After a thorough review of the service record and inputs from the board’s psychiatrist, the DRB found no conclusive indication that any mental health issues had a direct impact on the applicant's misconduct or discharge.
 
CONCLUSION:  The board found neither the evidence of record, nor that provided by the applicant substantiated any inequity.  However, sufficient evidence existed to convince the board the discharge was improper.  Therefore, the board determined the overall characterization of the applicant’s service was more accurately reflected as Honorable.  The narrative reason for discharge was found to be appropriate and did not warrant a change.  However, the board also voted to change the reenlistment eligibility code to 2C to reflect the new service characterization.     

The DRB results were approved by the board president on 16 Nov 17.  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