AIR FORCE DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD DECISIONAL DOCUMENT  
	CASE NUMBER

 FD-2019-00410	
					
GENERAL:  The applicant was discharged on 29 Sep 2007 in accordance with AFI 36-3207 with a(n) Honorable discharge for Miscellaneous/General Reason.  The applicant appealed for a change to the discharge narrative reason to Force Reduction.  The board was conducted on 10 Mar 2020.  

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.    

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 the discharge narrative reason.  

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 contended the discharge was improper because it is incorrect and not specific enough to illustrate the true reason for her separation from active service.  She states that she was separated Force Shaping Initiative of 2006 under a Limited Active Duty Service Commitment Waiver.  Her current narrative reasoning is preventing her from having access to certain VA benefits.

The DRB reviewed the applicant’s entire service record and found no evidence of impropriety or inequity to warrant a change to the narrative reasoning.  The board understood the applicant’s present service characterization renders her ineligible for certain Department of Veteran Affairs benefits.  However, this is not a matter of inequity or impropriety which would warrant an upgrade.  

CONCLUSION:  

The board found insufficient evidence of an inequity or impropriety that would warrant a change to the applicant’s narrative reasoning.  Therefore, the narrative reasoning received by the applicant was deemed to be appropriate and her request was not approved.  If the applicant views this solely as an administrative error, the board recommends that she go to the Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records.

The DRB results were approved by the board president on 27 Apr 20.  If desired, the applicant can request a list of the board members and their votes by writing to:  

Air Force Review Boards Agency
Attn: Discharge Review Board
3351 Celmers Lane
Joint Base Andrews, NAF Washington, MD 20762-6602  

Attachment:
Examiner's Brief (Applicant Only)