AIR FORCE DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD DECISIONAL DOCUMENT  
	CASE NUMBER

 FD-2016-00576	
					
GENERAL:  The applicant was discharged on 17 Apr 15 in accordance with AFI 36-3208 with an Entry Level Separation for Erroneous Entry.  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 4 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.   

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 deny the applicant’s request to upgrade his discharge characterization to Honorable, to change his discharge narrative reason, and to change the reenlistment eligibility code.

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 contended the discharge was improper because he was misdiagnosed with headache syndrome, which is a medically disqualifying condition.  The applicant also claimed that after his discharge, he had two teeth removed and that ended his headaches.  Finally, he provided documentation from a civilian provider indicating he met the physical standards required to reenlist in the Air Force. 

A discharge is upgraded only if it is established that an inequity or impropriety took place at the time of discharge.  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.  The board noted the Air Force physician who diagnosed the applicant with headache syndrome determined this condition existed prior to his entry into the service.  Additionally, if the condition had been disclosed prior to his enlistment, he most likely would not have been allowed to enlist.  The board also noted the applicant indicated he had never had frequent or severe headaches on a pre-service medical questionnaire, but reported a history of recurrent headaches that have been ongoing for years to the Air Force physician who diagnosed him.  Based on this information, the board determined the narrative reason for discharge was appropriate. 
  
CONCLUSION:  The board found insufficient evidence of an inequity or impropriety that would warrant a change to the applicant’s discharge.  Therefore, the discharge received by the applicant was deemed to be appropriate and his requests were not approved. 

The DRB results were approved by the board president on 14 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