AIR FORCE DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD DECISIONAL DOCUMENT  
	CASE NUMBER

FD-2019-00697	
					
GENERAL:  The applicant was discharged on 25 Jul 2017 in accordance with AFI 36-3208 with a(n) Honorable discharge for Adjustment Disorder.  The applicant appealed for a change to the reenlistment eligibility code.  The board was conducted on 04 Jun 2020.  

The applicant initially selected to have a personal appearance before the Discharge Review Board (DRB), but requested the board complete it 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 change the discharge narrative reason to Secretarial Authority.

However, the board voted unanimously to deny a change to the reenlistment eligibility code to 3K.

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.  

Due to evidence of  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 made no contentions that the discharge was inequitable/improper.  The applicant believed he deserved a second chance in order to have the opportunity to serve in the military again.  He states that his family was going through a rough time while he was in service, which affected him significantly.  He asked for assistance with his leadership and they suggested taking leave or requesting for a humanitarian assignment.  He went to mental health to help with his state of mind and was given the suggestion to be discharged.  He chose to be administratively separated so he could go back home quicker.  He would like to join again since he has grown as a person.

The DRB reviewed the applicant’s entire service record and found no evidence of impropriety or inequity to warrant an upgrade of the discharge. The applicant’s request for a change of re-entry code to allow for re-enlistment could not be supported due to current policies. Under DoDI 6130.03, Medical Standards for Appointment, Enlistment, or Induction in the Military Services, under Learning, Psychiatric, and Behavioral Condition, the applicant’s reported history of mental health conditions or disorders prior to and during service are considered disqualifying conditions for induction into military service. 

 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 narrative reasoning was inequitable due to changes in policy.  Therefore, the board determined the discharge narrative reason was more accurately described as “Secretarial Authority.”  The board did not change the reenlistment eligibility code.    

The DRB results were approved by the board president on 15 Jun 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)