ADDENDUM TO RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2011-01529 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: NO ________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: His under other than honorable conditions (UOTHC) discharge be upgraded to honorable. ________________________________________________________________ RESUME OF CASE: On 26 April 2011, the applicant submitted an application requesting his UOTHC discharge be changed to a medical discharge with benefits. He contended that the discharge was unjust and harsh given his medical condition. He further contended that his condition, sarcoidosis affected his ability to serve. On 23 February 2012, the Board considered and denied the applicant’s request. AFPC/DPSOS rendered an advisory noting no error or injustice with regard to the applicant’s discharge processing. The BCMR Medical Consultant also found there was no error or injustice with regard to the applicant’s discharge processing; however, he recommended the Board consider upgrading the applicant’s discharge considering the applicant’s ordeal with his clinical symptoms in extenuation and mitigation. Ultimately, the Board found there was no error or injustice and noted the BCMR Medical Consultant found no definitive nexus between the applicant’s misconduct and his yet to be diagnosed medical condition. For an accounting of the facts and circumstances surrounding the applicant’s request and the rationale of the earlier decision by the Board, see the Original Record of Proceedings at Exhibit F. The applicant submitted a request for reconsideration, dated 23 June 2013, seeking an upgrade to his discharge. The applicant contends an undiagnosed medical condition, criminal court case and the failure to provide him a separation physical was in violation of Air Force regulations. The applicant passed away on 31 July 2014. The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit E. ________________________________________________________________ THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT: In earlier findings, the Board determined that there was insufficient evidence to warrant any corrective action. After thoroughly reviewing the additional documentation submitted in support of his appeal and the evidence of record, we are persuaded that some corrective action based on clemency is warranted. While we find no impropriety in the characterization of the applicant's discharge, considered alone, we conclude the discharge proceedings were proper and characterization of the discharge was appropriate to the existing circumstances. Consideration of this Board, however, is not limited to the events which precipitated the discharge. In this respect, it may base its decision on matters of equity and clemency rather than simply on whether rules and regulations which existed at the time were followed. Under this broader mandate, and after careful consideration of all the facts and circumstances of the applicant's case, we are persuaded corrective action is warranted based on clemency. After reviewing the evidence submitted in support of his request and considering the applicant's ordeal with his medical condition, we believe the continued stigma of a UOTHC discharge is unduly harsh and no longer serves any useful purpose. However, we do not find the evidence sufficient to warrant an upgrade of his discharge to honorable. In view of the passage of time, we believe upgrading his discharge to general is appropriate in this case. Accordingly, we recommend the applicant’s UOTHC discharge be upgraded to general. ________________________________________________________________ THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT: The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to DECEDENT be corrected to show that on 3 November 1980, he was discharged with service characterized as general (under honorable conditions). ________________________________________________________________ The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2011-01529 in Executive Session on 4 December 2014, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603: All members voted to correct the records, as recommended. The following documentary evidence pertaining to AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2011-01529 was considered: Exhibit E. DD Form 149, dated 28 Jun 13, w/atchs. Exhibit F. Original Record of Proceedings, dated 27 Feb 12, with Exhibits A through D.