AIR FORCE DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD DECISIONAL DOCUMENT  
	CASE NUMBER

 FD-2017-00648	
					
GENERAL:  The applicant was discharged on 11 Dec 13 in accordance with AFI 36-3208 with a General discharge for Misconduct (Minor Infractions).  He previously applied to the Discharge Review Board (DRB) and his request was considered by a records only review board, which upgraded his service characterization to Honorable.  The applicant appealed for a change to his discharge narrative reason.  

The applicant appeared and testified before the DRB, without counsel, via video teleconference between Joint Base Andrews, MD, and Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, TX on 13 Jun 18.  No witnesses were present to testify on the applicant’s behalf.  

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” and also to change his reenlistment eligibility code to “2C.”

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 one Article 15, one vacation of suspended nonjudicial punishment, three Letters of Reprimand, and one Letter of Counseling.  His misconduct included:  failure to report to his appointed place of duty on time (x8), failure to respond to phone messages, unauthorized government travel card use, and failure to obey a direct order.
 
Due to evidence of 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 he was diagnosed with anxiety, depression, and alcohol abuse while serving.  He claimed there was a direct link between his mental health issues and his misconduct.  He also noted he has a 100% disability rating from the Department of Veterans Affairs for Schizoaffective Disorder.   

Based on the applicant’s record and testimony, the board concluded the discharge was inequitable and determined relief was warranted due to clear evidence that his mental health issues mitigated the reason for discharge and negatively impacted his ability to serve satisfactorily.
  
After a thorough review of the service record and inputs from the board’s psychiatrist, the DRB found conclusive indications that mental health issues had a direct impact on the applicant's misconduct and 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 discharge narrative reason was more accurately described as “Secretarial Authority.”  Additionally, the reenlistment eligibility code was changed to “2C.”

The DRB results were approved by the board president on 3 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