AIR FORCE DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD DECISIONAL DOCUMENT  
	CASE NUMBER

FD-2020-00045	
					
GENERAL:  The applicant was discharged on 11 Dec 2017 in accordance with AFI 36-3208 with a(n) Entry Level/Uncharacterized discharge for Failed Medical/Physical Procurement Standards.  The applicant appealed for an upgrade of his discharge characterization to Honorable, a change to the discharge narrative reason, and a change to the reenlistment eligibility code.  The board was conducted on 31 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 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 upgrade his discharge characterization to Honorable, to change the discharge narrative reason to Secretarial Authority and to change 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.  

The applicant and counsel contended the discharge was inequitable/improper because he was incorrectly diagnosed due to his pre-service medical history, which became the basis of his discharge.  They state that while in service, no medical provider came to the conclusion regarding the diagnosis nor has one since.  Applicant was a military dependent and his records were accessed during the initial medical screening process, in which they contend should not be used in such fashion.  It was found that the medical records showed symptoms and inquiries that could be mistaken for his discharge diagnosis.  They highlight that several tests were ran and the medical providers concluded he did not have condition, however, he was still discharged.  They also pointed out that another individual’s file was placed in the applicant’s record annotating a disease that the applicant was not aware of and they believe could have been part of the discharge decision.  They state that the punishment is excessively harsh in light of the fact that no medical test states that he has the condition he was discharged under.  By granting the change in his reenlistment code, MEPS can decide the on the issue since they are the final gatekeepers.  

In accordance with AFI 36-3208, Airmen are in entry level status during the first 180 days of continuous active military service.  If separated during this time, they normally receive an Entry Level Separation that is not characterized.  Because it is Air Force policy to not characterize this type of separation, the applicant’s request to “upgrade” it to Honorable could not be approved.  The DRB reviewed the applicant’s entire service/medical record and found no evidence of impropriety or inequity to warrant a change in the narrative reasoning and reenlistment code.

CONCLUSION:  

The board found insufficient evidence of an inequity or impropriety that would warrant a change to the applicant’s discharge.  Therefore, the discharge received by the applicant was deemed to be appropriate and his request was not approved. 

The DRB results were approved by the board president on 1 May 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)