AIR FORCE DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD DECISIONAL DOCUMENT  
	CASE NUMBER

 FD-2022-00397 	
					
SUMMARY: 

The applicant was discharged on 4 November 2021 in accordance with AFI 36-3208 with Entry Level Separation for Failed Medical/Physical Procurement Standards. The applicant appealed for an upgrade of his reenlistment eligibility code.

The applicant was not represented by counsel and 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 that he was misdiagnosed and was informed that his only options were to separate or be removed from service. The applicant contended further that he was not allowed counsel, any leadership, family, or fellow Airman, and could not leave the room until he was filing for separation or discharged for kyphosis. The applicant explained that he was also falsely diagnosed with scoliosis by the same provider. He concluded that he was previously seen by a spine doctor who cleared him and stated that his kyphosis would not affect training or abilities when operational. 

The DRB reviewed the applicant’s entire service record and found no evidence of impropriety or inequity to warrant an upgrade of the discharge. The Board did not find sufficient evidence to substantiate the applicant’s contentions. The board thoroughly reviewed the applicants medical and service records.  The Board determined that based on the nature of the applicant’s condition and Air Force’s medical standards for accession, the medical condition that led to the applicant’s disqualification, continues to make the applicant ineligble for military service. 

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, the applicant’s condition prior to and during service are considered disqualifying conditions for induction into military service. 

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, an “upgrade” to Honorable could not be approved.  
 
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 or 3K.
 
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 shall remain “Entry Level Separation”, the narrative reason for separation shall remain “Failed Medical/Physical Procurement Standards”, and the reentry code shall remain “4C”. The AFDRB results were approved by the board president on 25 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)