AIR FORCE DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD DECISIONAL DOCUMENT  

CASE NUMBER

 FD-2020-00505
      					
The applicant was discharged on 13 Mar 2018 in accordance with AFI 36-3208 with an Entry Level/Uncharacterized discharge for an Adjustment Disorder.  The applicant appealed for a change to the reenlistment eligibility code.  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 §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 deny the applicant's request to change the reenlistment eligibility code.  However, the DRB voted unanimously to change the applicant's narrative reason to "Secretarial Authority" per guidance from the Department of Defense.  

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 he claims he was on medical hold for stress fractures and was subsequently discharged for sleep walking, which he contends is an error.  He requests a change to his RE Code to allow him to reenlist in the Air Force.  

A review of the medical record revealed the applicant was diagnosed with a sleepwalking disorder which is a disqualifying condition for continued service.  There was no evidence of any errors identified in his diagnosis.  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.  Liberal consideration is also not applied to the applicant's petition due to his reason for ELS discharge being exempt for consideration under this policy.

CONCLUSION:   The board found insufficient evidence of an inequity or impropriety that would warrant changing the applicant's reenlistment eligibility code.  The code received was deemed to be appropriate and his request was not approved.  However, the board determined the narrative reason was more accurately described as "Secretarial Authority" per guidance from the Department of Defense.  

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)