AIR FORCE DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD DECISIONAL DOCUMENT  
	CASE NUMBER

 FD-2022-00367 	
					
SUMMARY:  The applicant was discharged on 7 June 2022 in accordance with AFI 36-3208 with an Entry Level Separation for Failed Medical/Procurement Standards.  The applicant appealed for an upgrade of his discharge characterization, a change to the discharge narrative reason, and a change to the reenlistment eligibility and separation codes.

The applicant was not represented by counsel.    

The applicant requested the board be completed based on a records only review.

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 suffered from severe headaches while attending Basic Military Training (BMT) and that he was referred to a neurologist for an examination.  However, he never was seen by a neurologist and instead was given the option to wait for an appointment with a military provider or be seen by a civilian provider after discharge; he chose the latter.  Since his discharge he claimed he is afraid to drive based on what happened during training.  He contended his discharge was unfair and that he did not receive adequate medical care or proper instruction while attending BMT which clouded his judgment and made him unaware of what he was agreeing to/signing when he departed the service.  He further contended he was given no other options to remain in the military and requested the opportunity to serve again.  

A review of the applicant’s record revealed he reported to the medical clinic for recurring bilateral vision loss, fatigue, and stress.  He reported to the provider that he had a past history of blurred vision/vision loss for the previous three years and he did not disclose this condition to MEPS.  The applicant reported he had symptoms up to four times per week prior to joining the Air Force, and his symptoms had worsened since he arrived at BMT.  Based on his symptoms the attending provider recommended the applicant receive a neurology examination.  The medical records indicated he was referred to neurology but declined the referral because he did not want to continue in training and wanted to return home.  He vocalized to medical staff he wished to complete the neurology evaluation at home rather than through the Air Force.  Therefore, he was found to not meet medical accession standards and was processed for an Entry Level Separation.  The applicant declined the opportunity to apply for a medical accession waiver and was medically cleared to separate.  

After a thorough review of the applicant’s record the DRB determined the applicant had been properly diagnosed with a pre-existing vision disorder.  Under DoDI 6130.03, Medical Standards for Appointment, Enlistment, or Induction in the Military Services, a history of any health condition that may reasonably be expected to interfere with the successful performance of military duty or training is considered a disqualifying condition for induction into military service.  

FINDING:  The DRB voted unanimously to deny the applicant’s request to change the discharge narrative reason and associated separation code to Secretarial Authority and to change the reenlistment eligibility code to 2C or 3K.  Additionally, 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” his discharge to Honorable could not be approved.  

CONCLUSION:  After a thorough review of the available evidence, to include the Applicant’s issues, summary of service, service and medical records, and discharge process, the Board found the discharge was proper.  Therefore, the awarded characterization of service, the narrative reason for separation and corresponding separation code, and the reentry code shall not change.  The AFDRB results were approved by the board president on 10 November 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)