1. Applicant's Name: a. Application Date: 20 July 2016 b. Date Received: 8 August 2016 c. Counsel: None 2. REQUEST, ISSUES, BOARD TYPE, AND DECISION: The applicant requests an upgrade of his uncharacterized discharge to honorable. The applicant seeks relief contending, in effect, he was informed that he was fit for duty at the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS); however, he was hurt while in training. The doctor told him then that he was born with a slight curve in his lower back and that training would agitate it to the point he was unable to train. In a records review conducted at Arlington, VA on 13 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: Condition, Not a Disability / AR 635- 200, Paragraph 5-17 / JFV / RE-3 / Uncharacterized b. Date of Discharge: 22 May 2014 c. Separation Facts: (1) Date of Notification of Intent to Separate: 24 April 2014 (2) Basis for Separation: The applicant, having been evaluated by the Musculoskeletal Action Team, was determined to have developed low back pain and due to the diagnosis, he was not able to complete BCT (Basic Combat Training). (3) Recommended Characterization: Uncharacterized (4) Legal Consultation Date: Waived, 29 April 2014 (5) Administrative Separation Board: NA (6) Separation Decision Date / Characterization: 19 May 2014 / Uncharacterized 4. SERVICE DETAILS: a. Date / Period of Enlistment: 24 February 2014 / approximately 10 weeks for basic training and 7 weeks MOS training, or until completion, pursuant to Orders 4055005, dated 14 January 2005 b. Age at Enlistment / Education / GT Score: 22 / HS Graduate / 92 c. Highest Grade Achieved / MOS / Total Service: E-1 / None / 6 months, 5 days (of which, continuous current service under review, was for a period of 2 months, 29 days) d. Prior Service / Characterizations: ARNG (18 November 2013 to 23 February 2014) / NA e. Overseas Service / Combat Service: None / None f. Awards and Decorations: None g. Performance Ratings: NA h. Disciplinary Action(s) / Evidentiary Record: Memorandum for the commander, dated 2 April 2014, rendered by the Musculoskeletal Action Team, indicated the applicant developed low back pain while attempting Initial Entry Training (IET); that the condition prevented him from fully participating in unit PRT, basic marksmanship training, field training, and ruck marches without increase in pain; that although he was improving, he was found to have an anatomy that predisposes him to increased low back pain; that the rigors of military training along with the anatomy seemed to exacerbate that pain; that he was being returned to the unit for any administrative action as deemed necessary by command; and that initiating a Chapter 5-17 would be an appropriate option for the applicant. i. Lost Time / Mode of Return: None j. Diagnosed PTSD / TBI / Behavioral Health: None 5. APPLICANT-PROVIDED EVIDENCE: DD Form 293 (Application for the Review of Discharge), dated 20 July 2016, and DD Form 214. Additional Evidence: Applicant-authored cover statement, dated 2 January 2017; IADT Orders, dated 20 May 2014; and separation file. 6. POST SERVICE ACCOMPLISHMENTS: None provided with the application. 7. REGULATORY CITATION(S): Army Regulation (AR) 635-200 provides the basic authority for the separation of enlisted personnel. Paragraph 5-17 specifically provides that a Soldier may be separated for other physical or mental conditions not amounting to a disability, which interferes with assignment to or performance of duty and requires that the diagnosis be so severe that the Soldier's ability to function in the military environment is significantly impaired. AR 635-200, paragraph 5-1, states that a Soldier being separated under this paragraph will be awarded a characterization of service of honorable, under honorable conditions, or an uncharacterized description of service if in entry-level status. Paragraph 3-9 stipulates that a separation will be described as entry-level with service uncharacterized if processing is initiated while a Soldier is in entry-level status. A general, under honorable conditions discharge is normally inappropriate for individuals separated under the provisions of Chapter 5-17, unless properly notified of the specific factors in the service that warrant such characterization. Army Regulation 635-5-1 (Separation Program Designator (SPD) Codes) provides the specific authorities (regulatory or directive), reasons for separating Soldiers from active duty, and the SPD codes to be entered on the DD Form 214. It identifies the SPD code of "JFV" as the appropriate code to assign enlisted Soldiers who are discharged under the provisions of Army Regulation 635-200, Chapter 5, paragraph 5-17, "Condition, Not a Disability." The SPD Code/RE Code Cross Reference Table shows that a Soldier assigned an SPD Code of "JFV" will be assigned an RE Code of 3. 8. DISCUSSION OF FACT(S): The applicant requests an upgrade of his uncharacterized discharge to honorable. The applicant's available record of service, and the issues and document submitted with his application were carefully reviewed. Although the applicant's record is void of the specific facts and circumstances concerning the events which led to his discharge, the applicant's documentary evidence shows that while he was in training status, he was diagnosed by competent medical authority with a condition of a developed low back pain while the applicant was attempting Initial Entry Training (IET). The medical authority further commented that the applicant's condition prevented him from fully participating in unit PRT, basic marksmanship training, field training, and ruck marches without increase in pain; that although he was improving, he was found to have an anatomy that predisposes him to increased low back pain; that the rigors of military training along with the anatomy seemed to exacerbate that pain; that he was returned to his unit for any administrative action as deemed necessary by command; and that initiating a Chapter 5-17 would be an appropriate option for him. The applicant's contentions were carefully considered. However, the applicant's service was uncharacterized because he was in entry-level status (ELS) and there are no unusual circumstances present in the applicant's record and his service did not warrant an honorable discharge. An honorable discharge may be given only in cases which are clearly warranted by unusual circumstances involving outstanding personal conduct and/or performance of duty. A general, under honorable conditions discharge is not authorized under ELS conditions. Army Regulation 635-200 states that 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. His separation was initiated on 24 April 2014, less than 180 days, during the period he was in an entry level status. 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 character of service to be rated as honorable or otherwise. The record does not contain any indication or evidence of arbitrary or capricious actions by the command and all requirements of law and regulation were met and the rights of the applicant were fully protected throughout the separation process. The character of the applicant's discharge is commensurate with his overall service record while in an entry level status. 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 13 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 AR20160014257 4