ADDENDUM TO RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2014-00503-2

	COUNSEL: 
	
	HEARING: NO

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

The applicant requests the Board reconsider his request to upgrade his General (Under Honorable Conditions) discharge to Honorable.

RESUME OF THE CASE:

On 10 Feb 15, the Board considered and denied a request for correction of military records submitted by the applicant, finding that the applicant had provided insufficient evidence of an error or injustice to justify relief.  For an accounting of the applicant’s original request and the rationale of the earlier decision, see the AFBCMR Letter and Record of Proceedings at Exhibit H.

On 19 Apr 16, the applicant requested reconsideration of his request.  He again contends his PTSD was a contributing factor to his behavior and actions after his deployments.  He states that he is making personal strides forward to better himself, and through help and counseling, he is dealing with his PTSD.  The applicant’s complete submission is at Exhibit I.

AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFBCMR Psychiatric Consultant recommends denying the application.  The applicant’s diagnosis of PTSD has been substantiated by the military and the VA providers and is supported by the applicant’s deterioration of conduct following his deployment.  There are number of conditions/behaviors that have been shown to be associated with PTSD, such as substance abuse, irritability, risk taking behaviors, to name a few.  However, PTSD is not equivalent to a criminal behavior and majority of PTSD sufferers are law-abiding citizens.  The Psychiatric Consultant opined the applicant’s discharge characterization, has already been mitigated by his command during the separation proceedings.  Considering the severity of his misconduct, specifically the recurrent incidences of domestic violence, Under Other than Honorable (UOTH) discharge characterization would be most consistent with the recommended guidelines, nonetheless, has been upgraded to a General in consideration of the applicant’s combat service and mental health problems.  As has previously been stated by the AFBCMR Medical Consultant, the applicant should have been processed through the medical channels simultaneously with the administrative discharge proceedings.  Nevertheless, most likely than not, the final disposition would be unaffected and possibly worse.  The complete advisory is at Exhibit J.

APPLICANT’S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The Board sent a copy of the Air Force evaluation to the applicant on 19 Apr 18 for comment (Exhibit K), but has received no response.

THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT:

After reviewing all Exhibits, the Board remains unconvinced the evidence presented demonstrates an error or injustice and therefore finds no basis to recommend granting the requested relief.  While we acknowledge the applicant’s diagnosis of PTSD, we agree with the Psychiatric Consultant’s opinion that conditions/behaviors associated with PTSD are not equivalent to criminal behavior, and that his discharge characterization, was already mitigated by his command during the separation proceedings.  Considering the severity of his misconduct, specifically the recurrent incidences of domestic violence, Under Other than Honorable (UOTH) discharge characterization would be most consistent with the recommended guidelines, nonetheless, has been upgraded to a General in consideration of the applicant’s combat service and mental health problems.  Therefore, the Board recommends against correcting the applicant’s records.

THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT:

The applicant be informed the evidence did not demonstrate material error or injustice, and the application will only be reconsidered upon receipt of relevant evidence not already considered by the Board.

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-2014-00503-2 in Executive Session on 29 May 18.  

All members voted not to correct the record.  The panel considered the following:

Exhibit H:	Record of Proceedings, w/ Exhibits A-G, dated 10 Feb 15.
Exhibit I:	Application, DD Form 149, w/atchs, dated 19 Apr 16.
Exhibit J:	Advisory opinion, AFBCMR Psychiatric Consultant, dated 12 Mar 18.
Exhibit K:	Notification of Advisory, SAF/MRBC to applicant, dated 19 Apr 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, pertaining to . Docket Number BC-2014-00503-2.