1. Applicant's Name: a. Application Date: 26 April 2016 b. Date Received: 2 May 2016 c. Counsel: None 2. REQUEST, ISSUES, BOARD TYPE, AND DECISION: The applicant requests an upgrade of his uncharacterized discharge to honorable. The applicant seeks relief contending, in effect, that the Department of Veteran's Affairs has determined his service to be honorable and has granted him a 10 percent service-connected disability. In a records review conducted at Arlington, VA on 23 June 2017, 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: Entry Level Performance and Conduct / AR 635-200 / Chapter 11 / JGA / RE-3 / Uncharacterized b. Date of Discharge: 1 April 2008 c. Separation Facts: (1) Date of Notification of Intent to Separate: 25 March 2008 (2) Basis for Separation: The applicant was informed of the following reasons: he failed to pass the Army Physical Fitness test, which was needed to become an effective Soldier in today's Army ; failed a total of nine APFTs; three after being transferred to Fitness Training Center to assist him in improving his performance on the APFT and meeting the Army Standards; his physical profile prevented him from achieving the minimum standards of 50 percent in each event; he lacked the self-discipline and motivation necessary to become an effective Soldier in today's Army; and, further attempts to train him were not justified. (3) Recommended Characterization: Uncharacterized (4) Legal Consultation Date: On 25 March 2008, the applicant waived his rights to consult with A JAG officer. (5) Administrative Separation Board: NA (6) Separation Decision Date / Characterization: 27 March 2008 / Uncharacterized 4. SERVICE DETAILS: a. Date / Period of Enlistment: 4 October 2007 / 4 years b. Age at Enlistment / Education / GT Score: 24 / Associate's Degree / 121 c. Highest Grade Achieved / MOS / Total Service: E-3 / None / 5 months, 28 days d. Prior Service / Characterizations: None e. Overseas Service / Combat Service: None f. Awards and Decorations: None g. Performance Ratings: NA h. Disciplinary Action(s) / Evidentiary Record: Four DA Forms 705, Army Physical Fitness Test Scorecard, dated between 26 November 2007 and 6 March 2008, reflect the applicant failed nine separate APFTs. Numerous Developmental Counseling Forms, for failing APFTs; recommendation for "New Start / Recycle;" and, intent to separate. i. Lost Time / Mode of Return: None j. Diagnosed PTSD / TBI / Behavioral Health: None 5. APPLICANT-PROVIDED EVIDENCE: DD Form 149; and, a Veterans Affairs benefits letter. 6. POST SERVICE ACCOMPLISHMENTS: None submitted with the application. 7. REGULATORY CITATION(S): Army Regulation (AR) 635-200 sets forth the basic authority for the separation of enlisted personnel. Paragraph 3-9 contains guidance on entry level separations. It states a separation will be described as entry-level with service uncharacterized if, at the time separation action is initiated, the Soldier has less than 180 days of continuous active duty service. Chapter 11 of AR 635-200 provides for the separation of personnel due to unsatisfactory performance, conduct, or both, while in an entry level status (ELS). An uncharacterized service description is normally granted to Soldiers separating under this chapter. 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. 8. DISCUSSION OF FACT(S): The applicant requests an upgrade of his uncharacterized discharge to honorable. The applicant's record of service, the issues and documents submitted with his application were carefully reviewed. The evidence of record confirms the applicant's separation proceeding was accomplished in accordance with the applicable regulation. All requirements of law and regulation were met and the rights of the applicant were fully protected throughout the separation process. The fact the Veterans Administration has granted the applicant a service connected medical condition the applicant suffered while on active duty does not support a conclusion that this condition rendered the applicant unfit for further service at the time of his discharge from Active Duty. The available medical evidence in the record is void of any indication that the applicant was suffering from a disabling medical or mental condition during his discharge proceedings that would have warranted his separation through medical channels. Additionally, the determination by the Veterans Administration that his service was honorable for the purpose of receiving benefits, does not determine the characterization of service rendered at the time of his discharge. Further, the uncharacterized description of service accurately reflects the applicant's overall record of service. An uncharacterized discharge is neither positive nor negative and it is not meant to be a negative reflection of a Soldier's military service. It merely means that the Soldier has not been in the Army long enough for his or her character of service to be rated as honorable or otherwise. 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 23 June 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 new Separation Order: No b. Change Characterization to: No Change c. Change Reason to: No Change d. Change Authority to: No Change e. SPD/RE Code Change to: No Change f. Restoration to Grade: 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 AR20160008791 3