1. Applicant's Name: a. Application Date: 4 November 2017 b. Date Received: 20 November 2017 c. Counsel: None 2. REQUEST, ISSUES, BOARD TYPE, AND DECISION: The applicant requests an upgrade of an uncharacterized discharge to general (under honorable conditions) or honorable. The applicant seeks relief contending, in pertinent part and in effect, was enlisted for seven months and nine days. The applicant never got in trouble or received a negative counseling. It was the applicant's desire to remain in training, but was told of being discharged because of a medical condition that was incurred while serving. In a records review conducted at Arlington, VA on 7 August 2019, 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: Failed Medical/Physical/Procurement Standards / AR 635-200, Paragraph 5-11 / JFW / RE-3 / Uncharacterized b. Date of Discharge: 20 April 2017 c. Separation Facts: (1) Date Entrance Physical Standards Board (EPSB) Convened: 23 February 2017 (2) Basis for Separation: EPSB found that based on a history of EPTS condition, the applicant suffered from other specified abnormal findings of blood chemistry as he experienced a single episode of explosive rhabdomyolysis during basic training. He had persistent abnormal elevation of Creatinine Klnase (by product of muscle breakdown associated with significant muscle injury such as rhabdomyolysis, and that he was at significant risk for severe and even life threatening elevations creatinine kinase associated with strenuous physical activity. Upon extensive medical evaluation, including evaluation by neuromuscular specialist, it was determined that he was not fit for duty. It was recommended that the applicant be separated for failure to meet medical procurement standards according to AR 40-501, paragraph 2-32i. On 10 March 2017, the applicant reviewed and concurred with the EPSB findings, and requested discharge without delay. (3) Recommended Characterization: Uncharacterized (4) Legal Consultation Date: Waived, 10 March 2010 (5) Administrative Separation Board: NA (6) Separation Decision Date / Characterization: 15 March 2017 / Uncharacterized 4. SERVICE DETAILS: a. Date / Period of Enlistment: 12 September 2016 / 3 years, 21 weeks b. Age at Enlistment / Education / GT Score: 21 / HS Graduate / 88 c. Highest Grade Achieved / MOS / Total Service: E-3 / None / 7 months, 9 days d. Prior Service / Characterizations: None / NA e. Overseas Service / Combat Service: None / None f. Awards and Decorations: None g. Performance Ratings: NA h. Disciplinary Action(s) / Evidentiary Record: DA Form 4707 (Entrance Physical Standards Board (EPSBD) Proceedings), dated 23 February 2017, described at the preceding paragraphs 3c(1-)-(6). Memorandum for Record, dated 27 February 2017, rendered by the unit commander, indicates the applicant met the criteria for separation under AR 635-200, paragraph 5-11 due to medical providers' findings and recommendation on 23 February 2017, to initiate a medical board due to the applicant's health condition of Rhabdomyolysis that existed prior to military service; thereupon, the applicant was placed on 30 days of convalescent leave. The applicant was advised and counseled of the impending separation, and a request to suspend all pay and allowances was initiated pending final determination by the separation authority. i. Lost Time / Mode of Return: None / NA j. Diagnosed PTSD / TBI / Behavioral Health: None 5. APPLICANT-PROVIDED EVIDENCE: DD Form 149 (Application for the Correction of Military Record), dated 4 November 2017. 6. POST SERVICE ACCOMPLISHMENTS: None provided with the application. 7. REGULATORY CITATION(S): Army Regulation (AR) 635-200 provides the basic authority for the separation of enlisted personnel. Paragraph 5-11 specifically provides that Soldiers who were not medically qualified under procurement medical fitness standards, when accepted for enlistment, or who became medically disqualified under these standards prior to entry on active duty or active duty training or initial entry training will be separated. A medical proceeding, regardless of the date completed, must establish that a medical condition was identified by appropriate medical authority within six months of the Soldier's initial entrance on active duty, that the condition would have permanently or temporarily disqualified the Soldier for entry into the military service had it been detected at that time, and the medical condition does not disqualify the Soldier from retention in the service under the provisions of AR 40-501, Chapter 3. The characterization of service for Soldiers separated under this provision of the regulation will normally be honorable. However for Soldiers in entry-level status, it will be uncharacterized. AR 635-200 states that a Soldier is in an entry-level status if the Soldier has not completed more than 180 days of creditable continuous active duty prior to the initiation of separation action. Army Regulation 635-5-1 (Separation Program Designator (SPD) Codes) provides the specific authorities (regulatory or directive), reasons for separating Soldiers from active duty, and the SPD codes to be entered on the DD Form 214. It identifies the SPD code of "JFW" as the appropriate code to assign enlisted Soldiers who are discharged under the provisions of Army Regulation 635-200, Chapter 5, paragraph 5-11, failed medical/physical/procurement standards. The SPD Code/RE Code Cross Reference Table shows that a Soldier assigned an SPD Code of "JFW" will be assigned an RE Code of 3. 8. DISCUSSION OF FACT(S): The applicant requests an upgrade of his uncharacterized discharge to general (under honorable conditions) or honorable. The applicant's available record of service and the issues submitted with his application were carefully reviewed. The record contains an Entrance Physical Standards Board (EPSBD) Proceedings. The EPSBD proceedings revealed the applicant had a medical condition which was disqualifying for enlistment and existed prior to entry on active duty. These findings were approved by competent medical authority and the applicant agreed with the findings and proposed action for administrative separation from the Army. Thus, it appears that all requirements of law and regulation were met and the rights of the applicant were fully protected throughout the separation process. 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. A general, under honorable conditions discharge is not authorized under ELS conditions and an honorable discharge may be granted only in cases which are clearly warranted by unusual circumstances involving outstanding personal conduct and/or performance of duty. The applicant's service record contains no such unusual circumstances and his service did not warrant an honorable discharge. It appears that all requirements of law and regulation were met and that the rights of the applicant were fully protected throughout the separation process. The applicant's Entrance Physical Standards Board (EPSBD) Proceedings confirms that on 23 February 2017, the EPSBD, in their findings revealed the applicant had a medical condition which was disqualifying for enlistment and that it existed prior to entry on active duty. The history of an Existed Prior to Service (EPTS) medical condition indicated the applicant was diagnosed with specified abnormal findings of blood chemistry as he experienced a single episode of explosive rhabdomyolysis during basic training. He had "persistent abnormal elevation of Creatinine Klnase (by product of muscle breakdown associated with significant muscle injury such as rhabdomyolysis), and that he was "at significant risk for severe and even life threatening elevations creatinine kinase associated with strenuous physical activity." Upon extensive medical evaluation, including evaluation by neuromuscular specialist, the board determined that the applicant was not fit for duty and recommended the applicant for an EPTS discharge due to his EPTS medical condition, which would inhibit his ability to perform his duties and complete training at that point; thereby, failing to meet medical procurement standards, according to AR 40-501, paragraph 2-31i. The available record further confirms the applicant was in an entry level status at the time his separation proceedings was initiated, on 23 February 2017, and discharged on 20 April 2017, with service as an uncharacterized. 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 the discharge was unjust because it was his desire to remain in training when he was informed of being discharged due to a medical condition he incurred on active duty. However, there is a presumption of regularity in the conduct of governmental affairs that shall be applied in any review unless there is substantial credible evidence to rebut the presumption. The applicant bears the burden of overcoming this presumption through the presentation of substantial and credible evidence to support his issues. There is no evidence in the record, nor has the applicant produced any evidence to support the contention that he was unjustly discharged. The applicant's statements alone do not overcome the government's presumption of regularity and no additional corroborating and supporting documentation or further evidence has been provided with the request to change his uncharacterized discharge. 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 applicant's uncharacterized discharge is commensurate with his service record while in an entry-level-status. 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 August 2019, 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 Authority to: No Change e. Change SPD / RE Code 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 AR20170019454 1