AIR FORCE DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD DECISIONAL DOCUMENT  
	CASE NUMBER

 FD-2017-00091	
					
GENERAL:  The applicant was discharged on 17 Mar 14 in accordance with AFI 36-3208 with a General discharge for Misconduct (Minor Infractions).  The applicant appealed for an upgrade of his discharge characterization to Honorable.  The board was conducted on 26 Jul 18.  

The applicant was offered a personal appearance before the Discharge Review Board (DRB), but declined and requested the board be completed based on a records only review.  The applicant was not represented by counsel.    

Pursuant to 10 USC §1553, the board included a member who is a psychiatrist with training on mental health issues connected with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or traumatic brain injury (TBI), and training on mental health disorders.

The attached examiner’s brief (provided to applicant only), extracted from available service records, contains pertinent data regarding the circumstances and character of the applicant’s military service. 
  
FINDING:  The DRB voted unanimously to deny the applicant’s request to upgrade his discharge characterization to Honorable.

DISCUSSION:  The DRB, under its responsibility to examine the propriety and equity of an applicant’s discharge, is authorized to change the characterization of service and the narrative reason for discharge if such changes are warranted.  If applicable, the board can also change the applicant’s reenlistment eligibility code.  In reviewing discharges, the board presumes regularity in the conduct of governmental affairs unless there is substantial credible evidence to rebut the presumption, to include evidence submitted by the applicant.  The board completed a thorough review of the circumstances that led to the discharge and the discharge process to determine if the discharge met the pertinent standards of equity and propriety.  

The applicant’s record of service included two Letters of Reprimand, four Letters of Counseling, and three Letters of Admonishment.  His misconduct included:  failure to maintain clean and orderly living quarters; failure to go to appointed place of duty at the time prescribed (x2); failure to show at the appointed time to complete your post deployment in-processing checklist; disrespectful to fellow airman; failure to go to pick up Non-Commissioned Officer for assigned shift as it was his duty; derelict in your responsibility by neglecting to bring medical records to deployment out-processing; failure to show respect to Non-Commissioned Officer by using offensive language and approaching in an aggressive manner; and arrested by civilian police for speeding, underage possession or consumption of alcohol; and operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated.
 
Due to evidence of post-traumatic stress disorder and a mental health condition found in the applicant’s medical record, the board considered the case based on the liberal consideration standards required by guidance from the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness and/or 10 USC §1553.

The applicant made no contentions that the discharge was inequitable or improper.  The applicant believes that his mental health conditions are service connected, and contributes to his current homelessness.  The applicant is currently receiving 70% VA compensation for PTSD, and a myriad of mental health issues.  The applicant is requesting an upgrade in an effort to access the G.I. Bill. 

The DRB determined that, through the administrative actions taken by the chain of command in this case, the applicant had ample opportunities to change his negative behavior.  The board concluded the negative aspects of the applicant’s service outweighed the positive contributions he made during his Air Force career.

After a thorough review of the service record and inputs from the board’s psychiatrist, the DRB found no conclusive indication that any mental health issues had a direct impact on the applicant's misconduct or discharge.

CONCLUSION:  The board found insufficient evidence of an inequity or impropriety that would warrant a change to the applicant’s discharge.  Therefore, the discharge received by the applicant was deemed to be appropriate and his request was not approved. 

The DRB results were approved by the board president on 8 Aug 18.  If desired, the applicant can request a list of the board members and their votes by writing to:  SAF/MRBR (CITU), 550-C Street West, Suite 41, Randolph AFB, TX 78150-4743.
  
Attachment:
Examiner's Brief