APPLICANT REQUESTS:  That his uncharacterized discharge be changed to an honorable discharge.

APPLICANT STATES:  He needs his discharge changed in order to receive his G. I. Bill benefits.

EVIDENCE OF RECORD:  The applicant’s military records show:

On 17 March 1993, he enlisted in the Regular Army.  He did not complete basic training.

On 24 June 1993, Entrance Physical Standards Board (EPSBD) Proceedings were initiated for a diagnosis of atopic dermatitis, existed prior to entry on military service (EPTS). The board recommended separation for failure to meet procurement standards.

On 29 June 1993, the applicant concurred with the Board proceedings and requested discharge from the Army.

On 6 July 1993, the appropriate authority approved the recommendation.

On 12 July 1993, the applicant was discharged, with an uncharacterized discharge, in pay grade of E-1, under the provisions of Army Regulation        635-200, Chapter 5-11, failure to meet procurement medical fitness standards.  He had completed 3 months and 26 days of creditable active service.  

Army Regulation 635-200 sets forth the basic authority for the separation of enlisted personnel.  Chapter 5, paragraph 5-11, sets the policy and prescribes procedures for separating members who were not medically qualified under procurement medical fitness standards when accepted for enlistment or who became medically disqualified under these standards prior to entry on active duty.  Medical proceedings, regardless of the date completed, must establish that a medical condition was identified by appropriate military medical authority within 6 months of the soldier’s initial entrance of active duty that would have permanently or temporarily disqualified him or her for entry into the military service or entry on active duty had it been detected at that time and does not disqualify him or her for retention.  Unless the reason for separation requires a specific characterization, a soldier will be awarded an uncharacterized description of service if in entry level status.

DISCUSSION:  Considering all the evidence, allegations, and information presented by the applicant, together with the evidence of record, applicable law and regulations, it is concluded:

1.  In order to justify correction of a military record the applicant must show to the satisfaction of the Board, or it must otherwise satisfactorily appear, that the record is in error or unjust.  The applicant has failed to submit evidence that would satisfy the aforementioned requirement.

2.  The applicant's administrative separation was accomplished in compliance with applicable regulations with no indication of procedural errors which would tend to jeopardize his rights.

3.  The uncharacterized discharge directed and the reasons therefor were appropriate considering all the facts of the case.

4.  The applicant should apply to the Department of Veterans Affairs for an exception to policy to obtain a refund of his G. I. Bill contributions.

5.  In view of the foregoing, there is no basis for granting the applicant's request.

DETERMINATION:  The applicant has failed to submit sufficient relevant evidence to demonstrate the existence of probable error or injustice.

BOARD VOTE:

                       GRANT          

                       GRANT FORMAL HEARING

                       DENY APPLICATION

						Loren G. Harrell
						Director