AIR FORCE DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD DECISIONAL DOCUMENT CASE NUMBER FD-2019-00619 GENERAL: The applicant was discharged on 22 Sep 2011 in accordance with AFI 36-3208 with a(n) General discharge for Misconduct (Minor Infractions). The applicant appealed for an upgrade of his discharge characterization to Honorable. The board was conducted on 31 Oct 2019. 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/ psychologist 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 upgrade his discharge characterization to Honorable, to change the discharge narrative reason to Secretarial Authority and to change the 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 several Memorandum for Records and Letters of Reprimand and Counseling. His misconduct included: multiple tardiness for work, disorderly conduct, dereliction of duty and financial irresponsibility. Due to evidence of / post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / a traumatic brain injury (TBI) / mental health condition/s 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 suffering from alcoholism due to depression and anxiety stemming from undiagnosed TBI. His time in the service was excellent and received awards. His last year in the service was not picture perfect due to his mental issues but he sought help for his issues. He did attempt suicide, which he believes is the reason why he was pushed with a General discharge. His discharge has been an embarrassment to him and he would like to get to get it upgraded. 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 due to capability to serve. Therefore, the board determined the overall characterization of the applicant's service was more accurately reflected by an Honorable discharge and 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 23 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)