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

 ex-OSSA, USN
Docket No. ND01-00879

Applicant’s Request

The application for discharge review, received 010625, requested that the reason for the discharge be changed to Hardship/RE-1.  The applicant requested a documentary record discharge review.  The applicant did not list any representative on the DD Form 293.

Decision

A documentary discharge review was conducted in Washington, D.C. on 020110.  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 narrative reason of the discharge shall not change.  The discharge shall remain:  HONORABLE/Other physical/mental conditions - personality disorder, authority: NAVMILPERSMAN, Article 3620200.

PART I - APPLICANT’S ISSUES AND DOCUMENTATION

Issues

1.  Dear Sir or Madam:

I am writing this letter to the Naval Council of Personnel Boards to formerly request that my Reason for Separation from the United States Navy on form DD Form 214, Nov 88 be changed to Hardship or Other.  Furthermore, I would like to request that my Reentry Code read RE-1 to reflect my Good service in the Navy as stated by my former Captain A_ L_ H_ on the USS Blue Ridge in the documents enclosed. During my time in the US Navy, I tried to stand out from the rest and to accelerate in all areas both as a Soldier and as a civilian.  It was not until the sudden death of my Grandmother and Grandfather that it started to become hard to cope with my loss while over 3,000 miles away from my family.  Not having grown up with a Father, my Grandfather acted as a Father figure towards me and helped me in several ways as a man in today's society.  He instilled me all the values a normal Father would give to his son: Honor, Loyalty, a strong work ethic and a desire to be the best at whatever I do in life.  I understand that this has little bearing from the court's perspective, but you have to understand that in today's society it is very normal for a son to grow up without a Father in the household.  In essence, the day my Grandfather passed away I lost not only a Grandfather but also a Father.  As shown in the National Guard I have proven Good Service and with this I respectfully request that the board take a moment to review my records and I would also like to thank you for your time.  Sincerely,

Documentation

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

Copy of applicant's DD Form 214
Copy of Department of the Army and Air Force National Guard Bureau, report of separation and record of service
One page from applicant's service record

PART II - SUMMARY OF SERVICE

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

	Active:   USN			000000 - 000000	HON
	Inactive: USNR (DEP)	000000 - 000000	COG

Period of Service Under Review:

Date of Enlistment:  92 01 21		Date of Discharge:  93 07 14

Length of Service (years, months, days):

	Active:    01  05  24
	Inactive:  None

Age at Entry:  19			Years Contracted:  4

Education Level:  12			AFQT:  40

Highest Rate:  OSSA

Final Enlisted Performance Evaluation Averages (number of marks):

Performance:  4.00 (1)	Behavior:  4.00 (1)		OTA:  3.80

Military Decorations:  None

Unit/Campaign/Service Awards:  NDSM

Days of Unauthorized Absence:  None

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

HONORABLE/Other physical/mental conditions - personality disorder, authority:  NAVMILPERSMAN, Article 3620200.

Chronological Listing of Significant Service Events:

930621:	Applicant diagnosed with an adjustment disorder with depressed mood and personality disorder, NOS, avoidant and passive-aggressive traits.  The psychiatrist recommended separation based on a personality disorder of such severity as to render the applicant incapable of serving adequately in the naval service.  Applicant was considered self-destructive and a continuing risk of harm to self or others.

930624:	Applicant notified of intended recommendation for discharge general (under honorable conditions) by reason of convenience of the government on the basis of a diagnosed personality disorder of such severity as to render the applicant incapable of serving adequately in the naval service as evidenced by medical record entries.

930624:	Applicant advised of his rights and having elected not to consult with counsel certified under UCMJ Article 27B, elected to waive all rights except the right to obtain copies of the documents used to support the basis for the separation.

930625:	Commanding officer recommended discharge honorable by reason of convenience of the government on the basis of a diagnosed personality disorder of such severity as to render the applicant incapable of serving adequately in the naval service.

930714:	BUPERS directed the applicant's discharge honorable by reason of convenience of the government on the basis of a personality disorder in accordance with NAVMILPERSMAN, Article 3620200.

971001:	BCNR reviewed record and declined to change RE code or narrative reason for separation.

PART III – RATIONALE FOR DECISION AND PERTINENT REGULATION/LAW

Discussion

The applicant was discharged on 930714 honorable for convenience of the government on the basis of a diagnosed personality disorder of such severity as to render the applicant incapable of serving adequately in the naval service. (A and B).  The Board presumed regularity in the conduct of governmental affairs (C).  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 (D and E).

Issue 1.   On 930621, a psychiatrist recommended separation based on a personality disorder of such severity as to render the applicant incapable of serving adequately in the naval service.  The applicant was considered self-destructive and a continuing risk of harm to self or others. No other narrative reason more clearly describes the conditions surrounding the applicant’s administrative separation.  To change the narrative reason for separation would be inappropriate.  Relief denied.

The discharge was proper and equitable.  Normally, to permit relief, an error or injustice must have existed during the period of enlistment in question.  No such error or injustice occurred during the applicant’s enlistment.  He is reminded that he remains eligible for a personal appearance hearing, provided an application is received, at the NDRB, within 15 years from the date of his discharge.  The applicant can provide additional documentation to support any claims of post-service accomplishments at that time.  Legal representation at a personal appearance hearing is highly recommended but not required.  Relief denied.

Pertinent Regulation/Law (at time of discharge)

A.  Naval Military Personnel Manual, (NAVPERS 15560C), Change 5, effective 5 Mar 93 until  21 Jul 94, Article 3620200, SEPARATION OF ENLISTED PERSONNEL BY REASON OF CONVENIENCE OF THE GOVERNMENT.

B.  Naval Military Personnel Manual, (NAVPERS 15560C), Change 5, effective 5 Mar 93 until  21 Jul 94, Article 3620225, SEPARATION OF ENLISTED PERSONNEL BY REASON OF CONVENIENCE OF THE GOVERNMENT ON THE BASIS OF PERSONALITY DISORDER.

C.  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.  

D.  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.

E.  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 view DoD Directive 1332.28 and other Decisional Documents by going online at “afls10.jag.af.mil”.

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
		720 Kennon Street SE Rm 309
		Washington Navy Yard DC  20374-5023