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

 ex-SA, USN
Docket No. ND02-01017

Applicant’s Request

The application for discharge review, received 020710, 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 list any representative on the DD Form 293.

Decision

A documentary discharge review was conducted in Washington, D.C. on 030424.  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: UNCHARACTERIZED/ PERSONALITY DISORDER, authority: NAVMILPERSMAN, Article 1910-122 (formerly 3620225).

PART I - APPLICANT’S ISSUES AND DOCUMENTATION

Issues, as submitted

1.  I believe that my discharge should state Honorable or General Under honorable conditions due to the fact that I, prior to entrance in the Navy, had strong determination to join.  It took me a whole year to lose my weight just so I could join.  But I did it with respect from the Chief here in Cleveland and others at the Meps Station.

2.  While at boot camp training, a week before my graduation my father was to attend.  He passed away.  His death became a hug shock to my soul and my system.  I seemed to have shut down and lost respect for how the Navy handled this situation.  I am an only child.  Although 29 yrs old, I still lived and still live at home with my mother who is a disabled veteran from the Air Force.  I am unemployed with no assistance what so ever.

3.  While at boot camp I tried to state my case as "Hardship" although at the time separation was no my main concern my health and mental capabilities were.  I was told I had no case.  That sent my hurt to plummet further.  I then came home to bury my father who served the Navy for 22 yrs and was a long time employee at the VA Medical Center here in Cleveland.  My father became very ill at the VA and was given a Heart Difibulater.  But 2 weeks after that he died.  April 25th 2000.  I found/find this to be especially painful and hard to cope with since my graduation was May 4th, my birthday May 2nd.  I wanted him to be proud. I made it to "A" School where I totally broke down in despair and hurt and confusion.  I made statements about suicide a lot.
Suicide was beginning to be my main concern.  I was then sent to a Hospital for a week where all I got was conversation instead of help.  Nothing has changed.  I still feel desperate and I don't want to leave my mother behind who barely can take care of herself.  Although her pension helps some, I can not.  Since my discharge it has been extremely difficult for me to work or find work.  I have been unemployed and searching since my discharge.
To make matters worse, the Red Cross, I was told, were to pay for my fare home.  I never was reimbursed.
My father was my backbone, my strength.  When he left I believe I left.  I grew up in the Navy.  Born a Navy brat.  22 years my father served.  I'm told that even the family can receive assistance.  My father died while still serving.  Although he was Honorably discharged, he worked for the VA and died while under their care and still an employee.
My treatment to my strong concerns were turned down or away.  I went to "A" School and never regained the strength I had that made me join in the first place.  I loved the fact tat I joined, I was proud, but never did I think they would treat me so bad because I was a "Recruit".
I am a human being.  An only child (woman) 29 yrs old living at home and barely making it.  My favorite person died while I was at boot camp.  Never to speak or see him again, to find out if at least "he" was proud of me.
The Navy treated my badly on a matter that should be handled with true care and sincerity.  The Navy sent me home without even a handshake for my "honest" efforts to serve my country.  All my attentions were to make it a career.  I don't even have that.  Although I do have a medical assisting diploma because of my discharge it has been difficult for me to find work.  I've been turned down for assistance with the unemployment because of the amount of time I spent in the Navy.
Since I've been home I have found myself to shake a lot.  My hands shake a lot and my heart skip beats.
I was told that the military could care less whether you live or die.  I am finding that to be true.  I am also an African American, but I pray that is not a matter.
I need help, I am asking and begging for your (the Navy's help).
I am an honest person who tries very hard to make herself proud as well as her family!
I know that my "Hardship" is definitely service connected and to make mattes worse, I believe made matters harder and worse for me.  I want to be proud of joining the Navy but it's difficult and painful.
All I ask is for help, please and to have my records changed to the appropriateness of my heartfelt troubles and concerns.
I believe I deserve it.
I will do anything to prove it with the help of many others that know I've given the Navy my all.  Please help me.

Sincerely yours,

P.S. All I can say is that the Navy and some of its personnel added on to my distress.  Since my discharge I have been weak, ill and lost.  I am begging you to hear my case, help me, please:

If I have to go to court or a hearing I will, all in helping me survive or live with the dignity and pride I worked so very hard for and to "Honor" my father!  As well as my mother.

Thank you again.

I can't find work and I can't find help.  I'm asking the ones who should have.  I am Navy and always will be.
I would like to be proud of it!

Please help me!

Documentation

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

Red Cross Message Form (2 copies)
Pages from Laurelwood Center, Inc. dated May 21, 2001 (2 copies)
Applicant's DD Form 214
Applicant's father's certificate of death (2 copies)
Statement from Applicant
Travel certificate dated May 25, 2001

PART II - SUMMARY OF SERVICE

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

	Inactive: USNR (DEP)	001130 - 010227	COG
	Active:   None

Period of Service Under Review:

Date of Enlistment:  010228		Date of Discharge:  010525

Length of Service (years, months, days):

	Active:    00  02  28
	Inactive:  None

Age at Entry:  27			Years Contracted:  4

Education Level:  11			AFQT:  67

Highest Rate:  SA

Final Enlisted Performance Evaluation Averages (number of marks):

Performance:  NMA		Behavior:  NMA		OTA:  NMA

Military Decorations:  None

Unit/Campaign/Service Awards:  None

Days of Unauthorized Absence:  None

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

UNCHARACTERIZED/PERSONALITY DISORDER, authority:  NAVMILPERSMAN, Article 1910-122 (formerly 3620225).

Chronological Listing of Significant Service Events:

010518:	Psychological Evaluation: Imp: (1) Long history of impulsiveness and mood dysregulation with later onset of major depression and borderline/self-destructive behavior and alcohol/drug dependence none of which was evidenced at enlistment.  Should never have been allowed to enlist.  Low to moderate risk of self-harm - high risk over long-term.  (2) Dx: I. Major depression - recurrent (EPTE)
	 II: Borderline personality disorder (EPTE)
	III: Headaches
	IV: Schizophrenia mother, death of father 3 wks ago, dislike of Navy, dysfunctional family of origin.
	V: GAF = 45.
	Plan: (1) Recommend expeditious admin sep due to ongoing suicide risk.  May also consider defective or fraudulent enlistment for pre-existing conditions that should have precluded enlistment.  Command notified via NTTC Legal…
	(2) RTC next available appt to monitor suicide risk.
	(3) NTTC CDO notified to check on pt throughout weekend.
	(4) Consult to LTJG C_ today for headaches.
	(5) Command should arrange DAPA eval for potential relapse to alcohol dependence.
	(6) Light Duty pending admin sep.

010521:	Medical Entry: Imp: (1) Borderline personality disorder.  Major depression; bereavement.  Alcohol dependence, in early partial remission.  (2) Moderate risk of suicidal behavior.  Plan: (1) Admit to Alliance Mental Health.  (2) Command informed via XO.

010523:	Report of Medical Assessment: Major Depressive disorder.  Purpose of assessment:  Separation.

Discharge package missing from service record.

PART III – RATIONALE FOR DECISION AND PERTINENT REGULATION/LAW

Discussion

The Applicant was discharged on 010525 with an uncharacterized 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).  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).

Issue 1:  By regulation, members discharged within the first 180 days of enlistment are given characterization of services as “Uncharacterized” unless there were unusual circumstances regarding performance of conduct which would merit an “honorable” characterization.  The Applicant’s service record did not contain any unusual circumstances during her less than three months in the military to warrant a change of discharge to “honorable.”  Relief denied.  The Applicant should be aware that, with respect to nonservice-related administrative matters, i.e., VA benefits, educational pursuits, and especially civilian employment, an uncharacterized separation shall be considered the equivalent of an honorable or general (under honorable conditions) discharge.

The Board is very sympathetic to the Applicant’s loss.  However, there is no requirement or law that grants recharacterization solely on the issue of obtaining benefits to alleviate a family’s health and financial burdens.  Unfortunately, this issue does not serve to provide foundation upon which the Board can grant relief.  Relief is therefore denied.  The Applicant may petition the Veterans Administration to determine eligibility for post-service benefits.    

The Applicant remains eligible for a personal appearance hearing, provided an application is received, at the NDRB, within 15 years from the date of discharge.  The Applicant can provide additional documentation to support any claims of post-service accomplishments at that time.  Representation at a personal appearance hearing is recommended but not required.

Pertinent Regulation/Law (at time of discharge)

A.  Naval Military Personnel Manual, (NAVPERS 15560C), Change 27, effective 
27 March 2000 until 13 Aug 2001, Article 1910-122 (formerly 3620225), Separation By Reason of Convenience of the Government - Personality Disorder(s) 

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 view DoD Directive 1332.28 and other Decisional Documents by going online at “afls14.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