ADDENDUM TO RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2012-00657-4

	COUNSEL: NONE

	HEARING: NO

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

The applicant requests that the Board reconsider his request to  

	1.  Upgraded his general discharge to honorable.

	2.  The narrative reason for separation be changed to Secretarial Authority.

RESUME OF THE CASE:

By DD Form 149, dated 31 Jan 12, the applicant requested removal of nonjudical punishment, his characterization of service be changed to honorable, reinstatement into military service, a length of service retirement in the grade of captain, retirement under the Career Status Bonus Redux Program and his reason for discharge be changed to service met for retirement.  On 11 Sep 12, the Board considered and denied the request, finding that the applicant had provided insufficient evidence of an error or injustice to justify relief.  For an accounting of the facts and circumstances surrounding the applicant’s request, and the rationale for the earlier decisions by the Board, see the Record of Proceedings, with Exhibits A thru G, at Exhibit I.

By application dated 15 May 15, the applicant requested to have his under honorable conditions (general) discharge upgraded to honorable.  On 24 Mar 16, the Board considered and denied the applicant’s request, noting that the additional documentation was insufficient to override the previous decision by the Board.  For an accounting of the facts and circumstances surrounding the applicant’s request, and the rationale for the earlier decision by the Board, see the Addendum to the Record of Proceedings, with Exhibits I and J, at Exhibit K.

In Sep 15, the applicant submitted a copy of his previously submitted DD Form 149, dated 15 May 15, requesting reconsideration to upgrade his general discharge to honorable.  On 23 Jun 16,  the Board considered and denied the applicant’s request noting that the additional evidence was insufficient to override the previous decisions by the Board.  For an accounting of the facts and circumstances surrounding the applicant’s request, and the rationale for the earlier decisions by the Board, see the Second Addendum to the Record of Proceedings, with Exhibits K and L at Exhibit M.

On 25 Mar 17, the applicant requested reconsideration of his request to upgrade his discharge and change his narrative reason for separation.  The applicant provided his diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) from the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA).  The applicant’s complete submission is at Exhibit N.

On 24 Feb 16, a copy of the Secretary of Defense (SECDEF) supplemental guidance regarding requests for an upgrade of discharge by applicants claiming Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) was forwarded to the applicant.

AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFBCMR Psychiatric Consultant found the evidence sufficient to support that the applicant’s substance abuse had a nexus with his traumatic experience.

A review of the applicant’s medical records revealed he was not diagnosed with any mental health conditions prior to his discharge.  However, it was noted on his separation physical that he experienced insomnia and nightmares due to the stress of his duties.  In 2013, the applicant sought care for through the DVA for recurring nightmares that were exacerbated by his position with the DVA crisis center.  In April 2014, he received a diagnosis of PTSD by the DVA.  He was awarded and is currently receiving 100 percent disability compensation for PTSD.

The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) 2017 provided specific guidance to the Military Boards for Correction of Military/Naval Records and Discharge Review Boards when considering discharge upgrade requests by veterans claiming PTSD or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in connection with combat or sexual assault or sexual harassment.  In the case under review, the applicant has provided evidence from the DVA that he has been suffering from PTSD as a result of his deployment and other traumatic life experiences.  Prior to his misconduct, the applicant was considered a top performer and solid leader, with unquestionable work ethic and dedication.

The complete advisory is at Exhibit Q.

APPLICANT’S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The Board sent a copy of the Air Force evaluation to the applicant on 20 Aug 18 for comment (Exhibit R), but has received no response.

THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT:

After reviewing all Exhibits, the Board concludes the applicant has presented evidence sufficient to demonstrate an injustice.  In particular, the Board concurs with the finding and recommendation of the AFBCMR Psychiatric Consultant.  Therefore, the Board recommends the applicant’s records be corrected as indicated below.

THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT:

The Board recommends the pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to the APPLICANT be corrected to show that on 21 September 2007, he was discharged with a narrative reason for separation of “Secretarial Authority” and a service characterization of Honorable.

CERTIFICATION:

The following quorum of the Board, as defined in Air Force Instruction (AFI) 36-2603, Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records (AFBCMR), paragraph 1.5, considered Docket Number BC-2012-00657-4 in Executive Session on 4 Oct 18:

, Panel Chair
, Panel Member
, Panel Member

All members voted to correct the record.  The panel considered the following:

Exhibit M:	Second Addendum ROP, dated 23 Jun 16, w/Exhibits K-L, and Addendum
		ROP, dated 8 Apr 16, w/Exhibits J-I and ROP, dated 14 Dec 12, w/Exhibits 
		A-G, H withdrawn.
Exhibit N:	DD Form 149, dated 25 Mar 17, w/atchs.
Exhibit O:	Applicant’s Master Personnel Record.
Exhibit P:	Memorandum, SECDEF, dated 24 Feb 16. 
Exhibit Q:	Advisory, AFBCMR Psychiatric Consultant, dated 25 Jul 18.
Exhibit R:	Notification of Advisory, SAF/MRBC to applicant, dated 20 Aug 18.

Taken together with all Exhibits, this document constitutes the true and complete Record of Proceedings required by AFI 36-2603, paragraph 4.11.9.