DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
 NAVAL DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD (NDRB)
                     DISCHARGE REVIEW
                   DECISIONAL DOCUMENT

 ex-PFC, USMC
Docket No. MD99-00877

Applicant’s Request

The application for discharge review, received 990614, requested that the characterization of service on the discharge be changed to honorable.  The applicant requested a documentary record discharge review.  The applicant did not designate a representative on the DD Form 293.

Decision

A documentary discharge review was conducted in Washington, D.C. on 000410.  After a thorough review of the records, supporting documents, facts, and circumstances unique to this case, NDRB discerned no impropriety or inequity in the characterization of the applicant’s service.  The Board’s vote was unanimous that the character of the discharge shall not change.  The discharge shall remain:  UNDER HONORABLE CONDITIONS (GENERAL)/Physical disability, existing prior to entry (determined by a medical board), authority: MARCORSEPMAN Par. 8404.

PART I - APPLICANT’S ISSUES AND DOCUMENTATION

Issues

1.  My undesirable discharge was inequitable because, it was based on my medical condition, that I had no control over, but was constantly interfering with my job duties and physical fitness training.  My medical condition (pes cavus with bunions) became increasingly worst because I was told to continue training.  I continued to perform my daily duties until I couldn't take the pain any more, so I was forced on various medication, which changed my performance dramatically.

Documentation

In addition to the service record, the following additional documentation, submitted by the applicant, was considered:

Copy of DD Form 214 (2 copies)
CO, Hdqtrs & Serv Co, lst Medical Battalion, Camp Pendleton letter of 20 Nov 89
Character Reference letter from Pastor J_ L_ dated April 25, 1999
Character Reference letter from employer, Preferred Trading International dated April 20, 1999

PART II - SUMMARY OF SERVICE

Prior Service (component, dates of service, type of discharge):

	Active:    None
	Inactive:  USMCR(J)		870227 - 870907	COG

Period of Service Under Review:

Date of Enlistment:  870908		Date of Discharge:  900511

Length of Service (years, months, days):

	Active:  02  08  04 (Doesn't exclude time lost)
	Inactive:  None

Age at Entry:  21			Years Contracted:  4 

Education Level:  12			AFQT:  46

Highest Rank:  PFC

Final Enlisted Performance Evaluation Averages (number of marks):

Proficiency:  3.9 (9)		Conduct:  3.8 (9)

Military Decorations:  None

Unit/Campaign/Service Awards:  Rifle Expert Badge

Days of Unauthorized Absence:  46 

Character, Narrative Reason, and Authority of Discharge (at time of issuance):

UNDER HONORABLE CONDITIONS (GENERAL)/Physical disability, existing prior to entry (determined by a medical board),  authority:  MARCORSEPMAN Par. 8404.

Chronological Listing of Significant Service Events:

881005:	Counseled for deficiencies in performance and conduct (lackadaisical attitude and carefree mannerism when directed to own up to your military and financial obligation). 

881108:	Applicant acknowledged eligibility for promotion to LCPL but was not recommended for the month of November because of frequent tardiness.

890109:	Unauthorized absence since 0731 this date.

890131:	Returned from unauthorized absence at 1500, this date.

890418:	Summary Court Martial
	Charge I:  violation of the UCMJ, Article 86 - UA from unit to wit:  MSSG-13, from 9 Jan 89 to 30 Jan 89.
	Charge II:  violation of the UCMJ, Article 87 - Missed movement of MSSG-13 on 12 Jan 89.
	Findings:  to Charge I and II - guilty.
	Sentence:  Confinement for one month, forfeiture of $349.00 for one month, and reduction in pay grade to E-1.
	CA 890418:  Sentence approved and ordered executed.

891107:	Applicant acknowledged eligibility for promotion to PFC but was not recommended for the month of November because of a failure to comply with proper Medical advice to correct a foot disorder that does not enable you to perform your duties.

891204:	Applicant acknowledged eligibility for promotion to PFC but was not recommended for the month of December because of unsatisfactory performance.

900115:	Medical Board recommended applicant be discharged due to physical disability, existing prior to entry. (Primary diagnosis - foot type, bilaterally, #754.71 - Second diagnosis - Symptomatic bunions, bilateral, #7271)

900301:	Applicant accepted findings of the Medical Board, waived his rights to a hearing before a Physical Evaluation Board and request administrative discharge from the service as soon as possible.

900417:	CG, 1st Force Service Support Group reviewed and approved the Medical Board recommendation to discharge application by reason of physical disability due to foot type, bilaterally and directed the applicant's discharge with a general under honorable conditions with a separation code of JFM1, reenlistment code of RE-3P, authority MARCORSEPMAN Par 8404.

PART III – RATIONALE FOR DECISION AND PERTINENT REGULATION/LAW

Discussion

The applicant was discharged on 900511 with a general under honorable conditions due to physical disability, existing prior to entry (determined by a medical board) (A).  The Board presumed regularity in the conduct of governmental affairs (B).  After a thorough review of the records, supporting documents, facts, and circumstances unique to this case, the Board found that the discharge was proper and equitable (C and D).

The applicant alleges that his performance was changed dramatically because of the medication he was taking for pes cavus. The Board determined that the applicant was being treated for cavus foot, not pes cavus as he alleges.  A review of the applicant’s medical record indicates that he was prescribed motrin, an anti-inflammatory and analgesic, not a performance-altering drug, for the pain in his feet.  Relief denied.

The Board determined that the applicant was UA for 22 days and received a Special Court-Martial for that offense.  Furthermore, the applicant’s average proficiency and conduct marks, while a Marine, were 3.9/3.8 respectively. Clearly the applicant’s service was not honorable. Relief denied. 

The applicant is reminded that he is eligible for a personal appearance hearing providing his request is received within 15 years from the date of his discharge. 

Pertinent Regulation/Law (at time of discharge)

A.  Marine Corps Separation and Retirement Manual, (MCO P1900.16D, effective 890627 until 950817), paragraph 8404 DISCHARGE FOR DISABILITY EXISTING PRIOR TO SERVICE.

B.  Secretary of the Navy Instruction 5420.174C of 22 August 1984 (Manual for Discharge Review, 1984), enclosure (1), Chapter 2, AUTHORITY/POLICY FOR DEPARTMENTAL DISCHARGE REVIEW.  

C.  Secretary of the Navy Instruction 5420.174C of 22 August 1984 (Manual for Discharge Review, 1984), enclosure (1), Chapter 9, paragraph 9.2, PROPRIETY OF THE DISCHARGE.

D.  Secretary of the Navy Instruction 5420.174C of 22 August 1984 (Manual for Discharge Review, 1984), enclosure (1), Chapter 9, paragraph 9.3, EQUITY OF THE DISCHARGE.

PART IV - INFORMATION FOR THE APPLICANT

If you believe that the decision in your case is unclear, not responsive to the issues you raised, or does not otherwise comport with the decisional document requirements of DoD Directive 1332.28, you may submit a complaint in accordance with Enclosure (5) of that Directive.  You should read Enclosure (5) of the Directive before submitting such a complaint.  The complaint procedure does not permit a challenge of the merits of the decision; it is designed solely to ensure that the decisional documents meet applicable requirements for clarity and responsiveness.  You may obtain a copy of DoD Directive 1332.28 by writing to:

		DA Military Review Boards Agency
		Management Information and Support Directorate
		Armed Forces Reading Room
		Washington, D.C.  20310-1809

The names, and votes of the members of the Board are recorded on the original of this document and may be obtained from the service records by writing to:

		Naval Council of Personnel Boards
		Attn:  Naval Discharge Review Board
		Washington Navy Yard
		720 Kennon Street SE Rm 309
		Washington, D.C.  20374-5023