1. Applicant's Name: a. Application Date: 20 June 2016 b. Date Received: 22 June 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, he believes his service should be considered honorable because he was discharged for medical reasons. Per the Board's Medical Officer, based on the information available for review at the time, the applicant has AHLTA diagnoses of Adjustment Disorder with Disturbance of Emotions and Anxiety. He has no VA ratings or visits in the JLV. Whilst still in Basic Training, he presented on 25 January 2011 as a "suicide risk." He told the provider, "The Army is not for me . . . It's changing me . . . I'm depressed." He also endorsed spells and suicidal thoughts. On 27 January he was seen for a chapter 5-17 evaluation. The note stated he met criteria for this administrative discharge and that a 3822 was sent to the applicant's unit with a recommendation he be administratively discharged. He engaged in supportive group therapy until he was separated. No behavioral health improprieties occurred. In a records review conducted at Arlington, VA on 08 September 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: Condition, Not a Disability / AR 635- 200, Chapter 5-17 / JFV / RE-3 / Uncharacterized b. Date of Discharge: 24 February 2011 c. Separation Facts: (1) Date of Notification of Intent to Separate: 2 February 2011 (2) Basis for Separation: The applicant was informed of the following reasons: On 27 January 2011, he was diagnosed with having an Adjustment Disorder Mixed Anxiety and Depressed Mood. (3) Recommended Characterization: Uncharacterized (4) Legal Consultation Date: On 2 February 2011, the applicant waived his rights to consult with a JAG officer. (5) Administrative Separation Board: NA (6) Separation Decision Date / Characterization: 14 February 2011 / Uncharacterized 4. SERVICE DETAILS: a. Date / Period of Enlistment: 15 November 2010 / 5 years b. Age at Enlistment / Education / GT Score: 20 / HS Graduate / 123 c. Highest Grade Achieved / MOS / Total Service: E-3 / None / 3 months, 10 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: CG Article 15, dated 12 January 2011, for being derelict in the performance of his duties in that he willfully failed to continue his training, as it was his duty to do so (11 January 2011). The punishment consisted of a reduction to E-2; forfeiture of $383 pay; and, extra duty for 7 days. Report of Mental Status Evaluation, dated 27 January 2011, reflects it was recommended that the applicant be given an administrative discharge under Chapter 5-17. The recommendation was based on the applicant's diagnosis with an Adjustment Disorder Mixed Anxiety and Depressed Mood. The disorder was so severe that his ability to function effectively in the military environment was significantly impaired. It was unlikely that the applicant would ever be able to resume being a productive member of the military. The applicant remained a liability to command for as long as he was in the Army. The diagnosis did not require disposition through medical channels, and he was medically and psychologically cleared for any administrative action deemed appropriate by command. i. Lost Time / Mode of Return: None j. Diagnosed PTSD / TBI / Behavioral Health: Report of Mental Status Evaluation as described in previous paragraph 3c. 5. APPLICANT-PROVIDED EVIDENCE: DD Form 293. 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 that a Soldier being separated under this paragraph will be awarded a characterization of service of honorable, general (under honorable conditions), or an uncharacterized description of service if in entry-level status. 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 that warrant such characterization. 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 shows the applicant, while in training status, was evaluated by competent medical authority and determined the applicant had an Adjustment Disorder Mixed Anxiety and Depressed Mood. It was determined this condition was so severe that his ability to function effectively in the military environment was significantly impaired. It was unlikely that the applicant would ever be able to resume being a productive member of the military. Further, the record does not contain any indication or evidence of arbitrary or capricious actions by the command and all requirements of law and regulation were met and the rights of the applicant were fully protected throughout the separation process. The character of the applicant's discharge is commensurate with his overall service record. The applicant's service was uncharacterized because he was in entry-level status and there are no unusual circumstances present in the applicant's record and his service did not warrant an honorable discharge. 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 applicant contends that he had honorable service. The applicant's service and the quality of his service prior to being diagnosed with the condition that caused the initiation of discharge proceeding were carefully considered. The evidence of the record reflects the applicant received punishment under the UCMJ for failing to continue to train. 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 08 September 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 AR20160011851 1