AIR FORCE DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD DECISIONAL DOCUMENT  
	CASE NUMBER

 FD-2017-00210	
					
GENERAL:  The applicant was discharged on 20 Aug 15 in accordance with AFI 36-3208 with an Honorable discharge for Adjustment Disorder.  The applicant appealed for a change to her reenlistment eligibility code.  The board was conducted on 10 May 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 change her reenlistment eligibility code.   However, it also voted to change her 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 did not include any misconduct.  She was diagnosed with a mental health condition that interfered with her ability to serve.  

Due to evidence of 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 contended the discharge was inequitable because she was misdiagnosed with a mental health disorder.  She requested a change to her reenlistment eligibility code in an effort to rejoin the Air Force.

After a thorough review of the entire service record, the DRB did not find any evidence of impropriety.  However, it concluded the discharge was inequitable and determined relief was warranted based on evidence that the applicant’s mental health condition negatively impacted her ability to serve satisfactorily.    

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 discharge narrative reason was more accurately described as “Secretarial Authority.”  The board did not direct any change to the applicant’s reenlistment eligibility code.    
 
The DRB results were approved by the board president on 23 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