AIR FORCE DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD DECISIONAL DOCUMENT CASE NUMBER FD-2020-00479 The applicant was discharged on 4 Mar 2020 in accordance with AFI 36-3208 with an Entry Level/Uncharacterized discharge for a Condition, Not a Disability. The applicant appealed for an upgrade of his discharge characterization to Honorable. The board was conducted on 10 Sep 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. Pursuant to 10 USC ยง1553, 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 deny the applicant's request to upgrade his discharge characterization to Honorable. 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 he was being treated for a lung condition while attending technical training and was improperly discharged for a mental health condition. A review of the medical record revealed the applicant was on medical hold for bronchitis and during this time he was referred to the mental health clinic after displaying depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation with plans and intent. He was hospitalized as a result and was recommended for administrative discharge for having a disqualifying medical condition. The applicant did receive treatment and evaluation for bronchitis during service and there was no indication that his condition needed to be successfully treated before he was discharged. Bronchitis is an ongoing and recurring condition that most likely would require a waiver in order to stay in the service, and would likely not be granted. Furthermore, the applicant had a disqualifying mental health condition. 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. Therefore, the DRB determined the applicant's contention was without merit and found no error with his discharge processing. 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 16 Sep 2020. 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)