1. Applicant's Name: a. Application Date: 2 August 2016 b. Date Received: 8 August 2016 c. Counsel: None 2. REQUEST, ISSUES, BOARD TYPE, AND DECISION: The applicant requests an upgrade of the characterization of service from uncharacterized to honorable. The applicant seeks relief contending, in effect, his discharge was improper because his injuries prohibits him from continuing his military contract. His discharge prevented him from gaining employment in the past and caused great stress in his life, because he feels he served honorably. He is classified through the VA as a disabled veteran. In a records review conducted at Arlington, VA on 20 October 2017, and by a 5-0 vote, the Board denied the request upon finding the separation was both proper and equitable. (Board member names available upon request) 3. DISCHARGE DETAILS: a. Reason / Authority / Codes / Characterization: Failed Medical / Physical Procurement Standards / AR 635-200 / Chapter 5-11 / JFW / RE-3 / Uncharacterized b. Date of Discharge: 30 April 2003 c. Separation Facts: Yes (1) Date of Notification of Intent to Separate: 15 April 2003 (2) Basis for Separation: The Entrance Physical Standards Board (EPSBD) Proceedings show that the applicant was diagnosed with chronic low back pain from recurrent lumbar strains. (3) Recommended Characterization: Uncharacterized (4) Legal Consultation Date: NIF, the presumption of government regularity is presumed in the discharge process. (5) Administrative Separation Board: NA (6) Separation Decision Date / Characterization: 25 April 2003 / Uncharacterized 4. SERVICE DETAILS: a. Date / Period of Enlistment: 6 March 2003 / 3 years b. Age at Enlistment / Education / GT Score: 23 years / HS Graduate / NIF c. Highest Grade Achieved / MOS / Total Service: E-2 / None / 3 months, 25 days d. Prior Service / Characterizations: RA, 1 July 1998 to 31 August 1998 / UNC e. Overseas Service / Combat Service: None f. Awards and Decorations: None g. Performance Ratings: NA h. Disciplinary Action(s) / Evidentiary Record: None i. Lost Time / Mode of Return: None j. Diagnosed PTSD / TBI / Behavioral Health: None 5. APPLICANT-PROVIDED EVIDENCE: DD Form 293 (two pages); and a VA document (two pages), that did not specifically identify the applicant as the veteran receiving benefits. 6. POST SERVICE ACCOMPLISHMENTS: The applicant states in his application that since leaving the he has a successful career in law enforcement. 7. REGULATORY CITATION(S): Army Regulation (AR) 635-200 provides the basic authority for the separation of enlisted personnel. Paragraph 5-11 specifically provides that Soldiers 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 or active duty training or initial entry training will be separated. A medical proceeding, regardless of the date completed, must establish a medical condition was identified by appropriate medical authority within six months of the Soldier's initial entrance on active duty, the condition would have permanently or temporarily disqualified the Soldier for entry into the military service had it been detected at the time, and the medical condition does not disqualify the Soldier from retention in the service under the provisions of AR 40-501, Chapter 3. The characterization of service for Soldiers separated under this provision of the regulation will normally be honorable. However, for Soldiers in entry-level status, it will be uncharacterized. A general discharge (GD) under honorable conditions discharge is not authorized under ELS conditions and an honorable discharge (HD) is rarely ever granted. An HD may be given only in cases which are clearly warranted by unusual circumstances involving outstanding personal conduct and/or performance of duty. AR 635-200 states a Soldier is in an entry-level status if the Soldier has not completed more than 180 days of creditable continuous active duty prior to the initiation of separation action. 8. DISCUSSION OF FACT(S): The applicant requests an upgrade of the characterization of service from uncharacterized to honorable. The applicant's record of service, the issues and document submitted with his application were carefully reviewed. The proceedings of the Entrance Physical Standards Board (EPSB) revealed the applicant had a medical condition which was disqualifying for enlistment and existed prior to entry on active duty. These findings were approved by competent medical authority and the applicant agreed with the findings and proposed action for administrative separation from the Army. A Soldier is in entry-level status (ELS) for the first 180 days of continuous active duty. The purpose of the entry-level status is to provide the Soldier a probationary period. Army Regulation 635-200 also provides, except in cases of serious misconduct that a Soldier's service will be uncharacterized when his separation is initiated while the Soldier is in entry level status (ELS). An honorable discharge (HD) is rarely ever granted. An HD may be given only in cases which are clearly warranted by unusual circumstances involving outstanding personal conduct and / or performance of duty. The applicant seeks relief contending, his discharge was improper because his injuries prohibits him from continuing his military contract. The applicant bears the burden of presenting substantial and credible evidence to support this contention. There is no evidence in the record, nor has the applicant produced any evidence to support the contention that he was improperly discharged. The applicant was diagnosed with chronic low back pain from recurrent lumbar strains, which existed prior to service. The applicant further contends, his discharge prevented him from gaining employment in the past and caused great stress in his life, because he feels he served honorably. The Board does not grant relief for the purpose of gaining employment or enhancing employment opportunities. The uncharacterized description of service accurately reflects the applicant's overall record of service. An uncharacterized discharge is neither positive nor negative and it is not meant to be a negative reflection of a Soldier's military service. It merely means that the Soldier has not been in the Army long enough for his or her characterization of service to be rated as honorable or otherwise. The applicant also contends, he is classified through the VA as a disabled veteran. The applicant submitted a VA document showing that a 50 percent disabling rating was granted. However, this document did not specifically identify the applicant as the veteran receiving benefits. The discharge was consistent with the procedural and substantive requirements of the regulation, was within the discretion of the separation authority, and the applicant was provided full administrative due process. 9. BOARD DETERMINATION: In a records review conducted at Arlington, VA on 20 October 2017, and by a 5-0 vote, the Board denied the request upon finding the separation was both proper and equitable. 10. BOARD ACTION DIRECTED: a. Issue a new DD-214/Issue new Separation Order: No b. Change Characterization to: No Change c. Change Reason to: No Change d. Change Authority to: No Change e. SPD/RE Code Change to: No Change f. Restoration to Grade: No Change Authenticating Official: Legend: AWOL - Absent Without Leave GD - General Discharge NCO - Noncommissioned Officer SCM - Summary Court Martial BCD - Bad Conduct Discharge HS - High School NIF - Not in File SPCM - Special Court Martial BH - Behavioral Health HD - Honorable Discharge NOS - Not Otherwise Specified SPD - Separation Program Designator CG - Company Grade Article 15 IADT - Initial Active Duty Training OAD - Ordered to Active Duty TBI - Traumatic Brain Injury CID - Criminal Investigation Division MP - Military Police OMPF - Official Military Personnel File UNC - Uncharacterized Discharge ELS - Entry Level Status MST - Military Sexual Trauma PTSD - Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder UOTHC - Under Other Than Honorable Conditions FG - Field Grade Article 15 NA - Not applicable RE - Reentry VA - Veterans Affairs ARMY DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD CASE REPORT AND DIRECTIVE AR20160014254 3