AIR FORCE DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD DECISIONAL DOCUMENT  
	CASE NUMBER

 FD-2021-00327	
					
The applicant was discharged on 7 March 2017 in accordance with AFI 36-3208 with a General discharge for Misconduct (Minor Infractions).  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 19 October 2021.  

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 upgrade his discharge characterization to Honorable, to change the discharge narrative reason to Secretarial Authority, and to change the reenlistment eligibility code to 2C / 3K.

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’s record of service included several Letters of Reprimand and Letters of Counseling.  His misconduct included:  absented himself from place of duty, blatantly avoided performing duties; found using phone instead of washing government vehicle as assigned; lied about washing vehicle; failed to sign off vehicle inspection; late returning after lunch; issued two traffic tickets for not having registration or insurance for vehicle; failed to identify the need for assistance, resulted in damage of aircraft part and floor; failed to maintain control of dorm keys, instead of reporting lost keys, member kept the dorm room door propped open; failed to release brakes on vehicle, resulted in tires dragging nearly 100 yards; failed to go to appointed place of duty; did not report after DDR appointment; DDR staff reported member being disorderly and behaving unprofessionally by sleeping and acting like robot; when instructed to immediately report to office, member arrived 15 minutes late with food; failed to report to duty as instructed; left parts unattended and unsecured while member went to lunch; left parts, hand held device, and CAC unattended; failed to go at the time prescribed to place of duty; failed to report to newcomers briefing appointment. 

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 10 USC §1553.

The applicant stated that he was diagnosed with avoidant personality disorder while serving.  He stated that while he was deployed, he had his first mental break down, and was discharged shortly after. He stated that the condition was not properly addressed prior to discharge and should be considered in the upgrade of his discharge. 

After a thorough review of the service record and inputs from the Board’s psychiatrist/ psychologist, the DRB found no conclusive indication that any mental health issues had a direct impact on the applicant's misconduct or discharge. Even though the applicant received a post service mental health diagnosis from the VA that indicated significant decompensation in his mental health status, there is no evidence to suggest that during the time of the applicant’s service the applicant’s mental health diagnosis was erroneous.  The applicant’s mental health was addressed during his service and his records do not indicate a nexus between his mental health condition and the negative aspects of the applicant’s service.

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 26 October 2021.  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  
Instructions on how to appeal an AFDRB decision can be found at 
https://afrbaportal.azurewebsites.us

Attachment:
Examiner's Brief (Applicant Only)