AIR FORCE DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD DECISIONAL DOCUMENT  
	CASE NUMBER

FD-2017-00201	
					
GENERAL:  The applicant was discharged on 25 Mar 16 in accordance with AFI 36-3208 with an Honorable discharge for Mental Disorder (Other).  The applicant appealed for a change to the discharge narrative reason and reenlistment eligibility code.   

The applicant’s counsel appeared on her behalf before the Discharge Review Board (DRB), at Joint Base Andrews, MD, on 13 Feb 18.  No witnesses were present to testify on the applicant’s behalf and no additional exhibits were submitted at the hearing.

Pursuant to 10 USC §1553, the board included a member who is a 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 change her discharge narrative reason to “Secretarial Authority” and to deny her request to change her 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 narrative 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 Article 15s.  Her misconduct included operating a passenger vehicle while intoxicated and consuming alcohol while under the age of 21. 

Due to evidence of multiple mental health conditions found in the applicant’s medical record, the board considered the case based on the liberal consideration standards required by guidance from the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness and/or 10 USC §1553.

The applicant primarily contended the discharge was improper because proper procedures were not following during the discharge process.  More specifically, additional processing requirements were not completed before she was separated.  These requirements, outlined in paragraph 5.11.10. of AFI 36-3208, must be met before separating an Airman who has deployed to an imminent danger pay area and is being discharged for a personality disorder. 

The DRB reviewed the applicant’s entire service record and concluded there were multiple procedural errors that occurred during her discharge.  Therefore, the board determined her discharge narrative reason should be changed to “Secretarial Authority.”  

After a thorough review of the service record and inputs from the board’s psychiatrist, the DRB determined mental health issues had a direct impact on the applicant's misconduct and 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 narrative reason for discharge is more accurately described as “Secretarial Authority.”  The board did not change the applicant’s reenlistment eligibility code.    

The DRB results were approved by the board president on 8 Mar 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