AIR FORCE DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD DECISIONAL DOCUMENT  
	CASE NUMBER

 FD-2020-00597	
					
The applicant was discharged on 11 Feb 19 in accordance with AFI 36-3207 with a General discharge for a Condition, Not a disability; Involuntary Board Recommendation.  The applicant appealed for an upgrade of his discharge characterization to Honorable.  The board was conducted on 1 Dec 20.  

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 2 to 1 to deny the applicant’s request to upgrade his discharge characterization to Honorable. It voted unanimously to deny the change of discharge narrative reason to Secretarial Authority.

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 conditions 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 states that he was diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder by his commander who encouraged mental health on base. He goes on to state that this was refuted by a civilian psychiatrist. He also states that his colleagues did not agree with the allegations including the medical director. He explains that he does suffer from anxiety. The applicant states the personality disorder was removed from his records at the VA because they agreed that he didn’t meet the criteria. He goes on to state that they pointed out that the fact that he had no medical loans and the fact that he joined to serve his country makes it clear that he doesn’t have narcissistic personality disorder- a condition which involves lack of empathy and compassion for others. He concluded that he takes care of his patients and shows empathy and has a great relationships with many of his patients.

The DRB determined that, through the administrative actions taken by the chain of command in this case, the applicant had ample opportunities to change his negative behavior. The board concluded the negative aspects of the applicant’s service outweighed the positive contributions he made during his Air Force career.    

Upon review of the applicant’s service record, the board was not able to find any documentation regarding the discharge.  Since the board relies on the presumption of regularity, it concluded the discharge received by the applicant was appropriate. 

If the applicant can provide discharge documents and any additional information to substantiate his contentions, the board recommends he exercise the right to make a personal appearance before the DRB or directly appeal the DRB’s decision to the Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records. 

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 14 Dec 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)