AIR FORCE DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD DECISIONAL DOCUMENT  
	CASE NUMBER

 FD-2017-00375	
					
GENERAL:  The applicant was discharged on 11 Jul 16 in accordance with AFI 36-3208 with an uncharacterized Entry Level Separation for Adjustment Disorder.  The applicant appealed for a change to his discharge narrative reason and reenlistment eligibility code.  The board was conducted on 21 Jun 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 approve the applicant’s request to change his discharge narrative reason to “Secretarial Authority.”  It also voted unanimously to deny his request to change his reenlistment eligibility code.

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 a diagnosis of adjustment disorder during Basic Military Training.

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 he was misdiagnosed with adjustment disorder and submitted a psychiatric evaluation from a civilian provider that states he does not meet the criteria for this disorder.  The civilian psychiatrist pinpointed the source of his temporary depression to his breakup with his hometown girlfriend.  The applicant requested the upgrade in an effort to return to military service.  

The DRB noted that at the time of his discharge, the applicant waived his right to consult with counsel and wrote a note indicating he had no objections to the discharge and wanted it to be expedited.  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 his 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 should be changed to “Secretarial Authority.”  The board voted not to change the applicant’s reenlistment eligibility code.  

The DRB results were approved by the board president on 30 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