AIR FORCE DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD DECISIONAL DOCUMENT  
	CASE NUMBER

FD-2022-00047	
					
SUMMARY:  The applicant was discharged on 9 October 2020 in accordance with AFI 36-3208 with an Entry Level Service (uncharacterized separation) for Failed Medical/Physical Procurement Standards.  The applicant appealed for a change to the Reenlistment Eligibility (RE) Code.

The applicant appeared and testified before the Discharge Review Board (DRB), without counsel, via video teleconference using Zoom on 28 June 2022.  Two witnesses were present and testified on the applicant’s behalf. 

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. 

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 received an erroneous discharge for an injury that did not exist prior to his entering the service.  He claimed he dislocated his shoulder while attending Basic Military Training (BMT).  He was put on medical hold and sent home to receive surgery because the military claimed he had a pre-existing injury.  After he was discharged he requested his medical records from his youth and there is no record of him having a shoulder injury.  He requested a change to his reentry code so he can reenlist in the military.   

A review of the applicant’s record revealed he reported to the medical clinic at BMT after injuring his shoulder during a physical training session.  He denied any history of shoulder pain or injuries.  An MRI was conducted which revealed chronic injury and labral tearing.  Due to the nature of the shoulder separation, and the high likelihood for surgical correction, he was recommended for an entry level separation by the medical providers.  The applicant applied for a medical waiver which was denied as it was determined his condition very likely existed prior to service, and the condition did not meet medical waiver criteria for entry into the Air Force.

The applicant testified at the hearing that he was told by authorities he would be discharged for the injury and could potentially reenter the service after he had surgery.  The applicant complied with the guidance and had the surgery post discharge and also completed all required physical therapy.  He also submitted records from his surgeon documenting a successful surgery.  The applicant claimed he is completely recovered and has full range of motion with no further issues.  The witnesses that testified on behalf of the applicant corroborated these statements. 

The DRB concluded there was evidence in the record and the Air Force acknowledged the applicant had no knowledge of a prior service injury.  However, he was discharged with RE Code 4C which is typically reserved for erroneous enlistments.  Additionally, there is also evidence in the record the applicant was advised that he could reapply for reentry into the service after treatment and resolution of the condition.  The DRB determined, the applicant had no evidence of and did not conceal a prior service injury.  Therefore the RE Code issued to the applicant was inequitable.   

FINDING:  The DRB voted unanimously to approve the applicant’s request to change the reenlistment eligibility code to 3K.  The DRB also voted unanimously to approve changing the discharge narrative reason to Secretarial Authority.
 
CONCLUSION:  After a thorough review of the available evidence, to include the Applicant’s issues, summary of service, service/medical record entries, and discharge process, the Board found the discharge was inequitable.  Therefore, the narrative reason for separation shall change to Secretarial Authority, with a corresponding separation code, and the reentry code shall change to 3K.  The AFDRB results were approved by the board president on 25 July 2022.  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)