1. Applicant's Name: a. Application Date: 14 March 2016 b. Date Received: 18 March 2016 c. Counsel: None 2. REQUEST, ISSUES, BOARD TYPE, AND DECISION: The applicant requests an upgrade of the characterization of service from uncharacterized to general (under honorable conditions). The applicant seeks relief contending, in effect, he was released due to a medical condition that he was unaware of as he entered the service. He entered in good faith and an upgrade would allow him an optimum chance at better employment. In a records review conducted at Arlington, VA on 7 July 2016, and by a 5-0 vote, the Board denied the request upon finding the separation was both proper and equitable. (Board member names available upon request) 3. DISCHARGE DETAILS: a. Reason / Authority / Codes / Characterization: Condition, Not A Disability / AR 635- 200 / Chapter 5, Paragraph 5-17 / JFV / RE-3 / Uncharacterized b. Date of Discharge: 23 July 2008 c. Separation Facts: Yes (1) Date of Notification of Intent to Separate: 9 July 2008 (2) Basis for Separation: The applicant was informed of the following reason for his discharge; Ms. X. made the recommendation because he was diagnosed with an adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood. She recommended that he continue on buddy watch and not have access to weapons, sharp objects and / or ammunition. (3) Recommended Characterization: Uncharacterized (4) Legal Consultation Date: NIF, the applicant waived legal counsel. (5) Administrative Separation Board: The applicant also voluntarily waived consideration of his case by an administrative separation board, contingent upon receiving a characterization of service no less favorable than honorable or general (under honorable conditions). However, the applicant was in entry level status and therefore not entitled to a board. (6) Separation Decision Date / Characterization: 16 July 2008 / Uncharacterized 4. SERVICE DETAILS: a. Date / Period of Enlistment: 21 May 2008 / IADT / NIF b. Age at Enlistment / Education / GT Score: 17 years / 10th Grade /95 c. Highest Grade Achieved / MOS / Total Service: E-1 / None / 5 months, 12 days d. Prior Service / Characterizations: USAR, 12 February 2008 to 20 May 2008 / NA (Concurrent Service) e. Overseas Service / Combat Service: None f. Awards and Decorations: None g. Performance Ratings: NA h. Disciplinary Action(s) / Evidentiary Record: Two negative counseling statements, both dated 30 June 2008, recommending Chapter 5-17 discharge. i. Lost Time / Mode of Return: None j. Diagnosed PTSD / TBI / Behavioral Health: Report of Mental Health Evaluation, dated 25 June 2008, relates the applicant had an Axis I diagnosis of an adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood. He met the requirements for Chapter 5-17 separation. He was cleared for any administrative action deemed appropriate by the command. Expedited discharge was recommended. 5. APPLICANT-PROVIDED EVIDENCE: DD Form 293 (two pages). 6. POST SERVICE ACCOMPLISHMENTS: None submitted with the application. 7. REGULATORY CITATION(S): Army Regulation (AR) 635-200 provides the basic authority for the separation of enlisted personnel. Paragraph 5-17 specifically provides that a Soldier may be separated for other physical or mental conditions not amounting to a disability, which interferes with assignment to or performance of duty and requires that the diagnosis be so severe that the Soldier's ability to function in the military environment is significantly impaired. AR 635-200, paragraph 5-1, states a Soldier being separated under this paragraph will be awarded a characterization of service of honorable, under honorable conditions, or an uncharacterized description of service if in entry-level status. A general discharge (GD) under honorable conditions discharge is not authorized under ELS conditions and an honorable discharge (HD) is rarely ever granted. An HD may be given only in cases which are clearly warranted by unusual circumstances involving outstanding personal conduct and/or performance of duty. A general, under honorable conditions discharge is normally inappropriate for individuals separated under the provisions of Chapter 5-17 unless properly notified of the specific factors in the service which warrant such characterization. 8. DISCUSSION OF FACT(S): The applicant requests an upgrade of the characterization of service from uncharacterized to general (under honorable conditions). The applicant's record of service and the issues submitted with his application were carefully reviewed. The evidence of record shows the applicant, while in training status, was diagnosed by competent medical authority with an adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood. Competent medical authority opined that the applicant would not respond to Command efforts at rehabilitation (i.e., such as transfer, disciplinary action or reclassification) nor to any treatment methods currently available in any mental health facility. A Soldier is in entry-level status (ELS) for the first 180 days of continuous active duty. The purpose of the entry-level status is to provide the Soldier a probationary period. Army Regulation 635-200 also provides, except in cases of serious misconduct that a Soldier's service will be uncharacterized when his separation is initiated while the Soldier is in entry level status (ELS). The applicant seeks relief contending, he was released due to a medical condition that he unaware of at the he entered the service. The record of evidence shows that the applicant was diagnosed by competent medical authority with an adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood. He met the requirements for Chapter 5-17 separation and an expedited discharge was recommended. The applicant further contends, he entered in good faith and an upgrade would allow him an optimum chance at better employment. The Board does not grant relief for the purpose of gaining employment or enhancing employment opportunities. The discharge was consistent with the procedural and substantive requirements of the regulation, was within the discretion of the separation authority, and the applicant was provided full administrative due process. 9. BOARD DETERMINATION: In a records review conducted at Arlington, VA on 7 July 2017, and by a 5-0 vote, the Board denied the request upon finding the separation was both proper and equitable. 10. BOARD ACTION DIRECTED: a. Issue a New DD-214 / Issue a New Separation Order: No b. Change Characterization to: No Change c. Change Reason to: No Change d. Change SPD / RE Code to: No Change e. Restore (Restoration of) Grade to: No Change Authenticating Official: Legend: AWOL - Absent Without Leave GD - General Discharge NCO - Noncommissioned Officer SCM - Summary Court Martial BCD - Bad Conduct Discharge HS - High School NIF - Not in File SPCM - Special Court Martial BH - Behavioral Health HD - Honorable Discharge NOS - Not Otherwise Specified SPD - Separation Program Designator CG - Company Grade Article 15 IADT - Initial Active Duty Training OAD - Ordered to Active Duty TBI - Traumatic Brain Injury CID - Criminal Investigation Division MP - Military Police OMPF - Official Military Personnel File UNC - Uncharacterized Discharge ELS - Entry Level Status MST - Military Sexual Trauma PTSD - Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder UOTHC - Under Other Than Honorable Conditions FG - Field Grade Article 15 NA - Not applicable RE - Reentry VA - Veterans Affairs ARMY DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD CASE REPORT AND DIRECTIVE AR20160006009 3