AIR FORCE DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD DECISIONAL DOCUMENT  
	CASE NUMBER

 FD-2017-00195	
					
GENERAL:  The applicant was discharged on 19 Feb 16 in accordance with AFI 36-3208 with an Under Other Than Honorable Conditions (UOTHC) discharge for Misconduct (Serious Offense).  The applicant appealed for an upgrade of his discharge characterization to Honorable.  The board was conducted on 26 Apr 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 upgrade the applicant’s discharge characterization to General and to change his reenlistment eligibility code to “2B.”  It also voted 3 to 2 to change his discharge narrative reason to “Secretarial Authority.” 

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 Article 15s and one Letter of Reprimand.  His misconduct included:  damaging military property, failure to maintain tool accountability, and failure to submit a leave request prior to starting leave.  

Due to evidence of  a mental health conditions 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 contended the discharge was inequitable because it was in retaliation after he reported illegal activities to the Inspector General.  He also sought the discharge characterization upgrade in an effort to obtain benefits he is being denied.  

The DRB reviewed the applicant’s entire service record and found no evidence of impropriety.  However, it concluded the discharge was inequitable since it was inconsistent with standards of discipline in the Air Force at the time of issuance.  The DRB also noted the member’s squadron commander recommended a General discharge, but he was eventually discharged with a UOTHC. 

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 neither the evidence of record, nor that provided by the applicant substantiated an impropriety.  However, sufficient evidence existed to convince the board the discharge was inequitable.  Therefore, the board determined the overall characterization of the applicant’s service was more accurately reflected by a General discharge, the discharge narrative reason should be changed to “Secretarial Authority,” and the reenlistment eligibility code should be changed to “2B.”    

The DRB results were approved by the board president on 17 Jul 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