IN THE CASE OF: BOARD DATE: 16 November 2010 DOCKET NUMBER: AR20100012388 THE BOARD CONSIDERED THE FOLLOWING EVIDENCE: 1. Application for correction of military records (with supporting documents provided, if any). 2. Military Personnel Records and advisory opinions (if any). THE APPLICANT'S REQUEST, STATEMENT, AND EVIDENCE: 1. The applicant requests correction of his DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release for Discharge from Active Duty) to show his correct date of discharge. 2. The applicant states, in effect, that he was discharged early due to the pending shutdown of the installation during the holidays and that his date of discharge should be the last day of holiday vacation. The correction would give him 90 days of service. 3. The applicant provides a copy of his DD Form 214. CONSIDERATION OF EVIDENCE: 1. Title 10, U.S. Code, section 1552(b), provides that applications for correction of military records must be filed within 3 years after discovery of the alleged error or injustice. This provision of law also allows the Army Board for Correction of Military Records (ABCMR) to excuse an applicant’s failure to timely file within the 3-year statute of limitations if the ABCMR determines it would be in the interest of justice to do so. While it appears the applicant did not file within the time frame provided in the statute of limitations, the ABCMR has elected to conduct a substantive review of this case and, only to the extent relief, if any, is granted, has determined it is in the interest of justice to excuse the applicant’s failure to timely file. In all other respects, there are insufficient bases to waive the statute of limitations for timely filing. 2. The applicant enlisted in the Regular Army on 23 September 1981. 3. On 10 December 1981, he was diagnosed with severe chronic blepharitis. The examining physician recommended that he meet a Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) for consideration of separation on the basis that he did not meet medical fitness standards or standards for retention. The examining physician also found that the condition existed prior to service (EPTS). 4. The applicant acknowledged the diagnosis and he indicated he understood it was an EPTS condition. 5. On 10 December 1981, he applied for an expeditious discharge under the provisions of Army Regulation 635-40 (Personnel Separations - Physical Evaluation for Retention, Retirement, or Separation), chapter 5 (Expeditious Discharge). 6. A DA Form 3947 (Medical Board Proceedings) shows an MEB found the applicant medically unfit for further military service based on the diagnosis of blepharitis, chronic, severe (chronic, severe inflammation of the eyelids) and recommended his separation under the provisions of Army Regulation 635-40, chapter 5. 7. On 14 December 1981, the findings and recommendations of the MEB were approved. The applicant acknowledged he had been informed of the findings and recommendations and he indicated he did not wish to appeal. 8. On 15 December 1981, the applicant's commander was informed of the approved separation and that separation would be accomplished within 72 hours in accordance with Army Regulation 635-40, chapter 5. On 18 December 1981, the applicant was honorably discharged. He completed 2 months and 26 days of total active service. 9. Army Regulation 635-40, chapter 5, in effect at the time, provided for the expeditious discharge of an enlisted member who did not meet retention medical fitness standards and was unable to perform the duties of his office, grade, rank, or rating because of physical disability neither incurred nor aggravated during a period in which he was entitled to basic pay. A Soldier would be offered a chance for expeditious discharge provided that he agreed with the findings of the MEB and was otherwise eligible for discharge. The regulation further provided that commanders authorized to affect the discharge of members under the provisions of this chapter would effect such discharge within 72 hours of the order authorizing discharge. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: 1. The evidence of record does not support the applicant's request for correction of his date of discharge. 2. The applicant acknowledged the findings and recommendations of an MEB and elected not to appeal. Upon approval of his separation, he was discharged within 72 hours as required by the governing regulation. There is no evidence showing the applicant was discharged early due to upcoming holidays. 3. In view of the above, there is no basis for granting the requested relief. BOARD VOTE: ________ ________ ________ GRANT FULL RELIEF ________ ________ ________ GRANT PARTIAL RELIEF ________ ________ ________ GRANT FORMAL HEARING __X____ ___X____ ___X____ DENY APPLICATION BOARD DETERMINATION/RECOMMENDATION: The evidence presented does not demonstrate the existence of a probable error or injustice. Therefore, the Board determined that the overall merits of this case are insufficient as a basis for correction of the records of the individual concerned. _________X____________ CHAIRPERSON I certify that herein is recorded the true and complete record of the proceedings of the Army Board for Correction of Military Records in this case. ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20100012388 3 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 1 ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20100012388 2 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 1