1. Applicant's Name: a. Application Date: 5 July 2018 b. Date Received: 9 July 2018 c. Counsel: None 2. REQUEST, ISSUES, BOARD TYPE, AND DECISION: The applicant requests an upgrade of an uncharacterized discharge to honorable. The applicant seeks relief contending, in pertinent part and in effect, the separation was due to physical disability; therefore, an honorable discharge should be in place. The current discharge prevents the applicant from obtaining VA benefits. In a records review conducted at Arlington, VA on 8 January 2020, 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, Paragraph 5-17 / JFV / RE-3 / Uncharacterized b. Date of Discharge: 18 August 2017 c. Separation Facts: (1) Date of Notification of Intent to Separate: 8 August 2017 (2) Basis for Separation: The applicant was informed of the following reasons: When the applicant was evaluated by the Consolidated Troop Medical Clinic Physical Therapy, it was determined that she had developed a left hip injury. Due to the applicant's diagnosis, she was unable to complete Basic Combat Training. (3) Recommended Characterization: Uncharacterized (4) Legal Consultation Date: Waived, 8 August 2017 (5) Administrative Separation Board: NA (6) Separation Decision Date / Characterization: 16 August 2017 / Uncharacterized 4. SERVICE DETAILS: a. Date / Period of Enlistment: 3 April 2017 / Approximately 10 weeks for basic training and 12 weeks MOS training, or until completion (pursuant to Orders 7093027, dated 5 April 2017) b. Age at Enlistment / Education / GT Score: 19 / 13 years / 87 c. Highest Grade Achieved / MOS / Total Service: E-2 / None / 4 months, 16 days d. Prior Service / Characterizations: ARNGUS (13 October 2016 to 2 April 2017) / NA e. Overseas Service / Combat Service: None / None f. Awards and Decorations: NDSM g. Performance Ratings: NA h. Disciplinary Action(s) / Evidentiary Record: Physical Profile Record, dated 5 May 2017, for Lower Leg Injury/Pain (Bilateral), indicates the applicant was not available for a record APFT until 2 June 2017; that the applicant should perform injury specific exercises during unit Physical Readiness Training; and that she required a bone scan and follow-up in physical therapy after the bone scan. Physical Profile Record, dated in June 2017, for Hip Pain/Injury (Bilateral), indicates the applicant was not available for a record APFT until 7 October 2017; that because the applicant did not progressed well in the Warrior Rehabilitation Program (WTRP), it was not anticipated for a timely return to duty from WTRP, and/or a timely graduation from BCT; and therefore, it was recommended for the command to initiate separation proceedings according to paragraph 5-17, AR 635-200. Two separate Statements of Medical Examination and Duty Status, dated 1 June 2017, and 25 July 2017, indicate the applicant had been seen at the troop medical clinic for bilateral shin and foot pain for two weeks, and a bone scan confirmed stress fractures; that formal line of duty investigation was not required; and that the injury was considered to have incurred in line of duty. Counseling Statements for being referred to Reserve Component Liaison NCO; being recommended for separation under Chapter 5-17; being released from the WTRP; and participating in a rehabilitation physical fitness program so to recover and return to duty. i. Lost Time / Mode of Return: None / NA j. Diagnosed PTSD / TBI / Behavioral Health: None 5. APPLICANT-PROVIDED EVIDENCE: DD Form 293 (Application for the Review of Discharge), dated 5 July 2018; Separation Control Sheet; Applicant's Acknowledgment of Receipt of Separation Notice, dated 8 August 2017; Physical Profile; Radiology Results, dated 30 June 2017; two Statements of Medical Examination and Duty Status, dated 1 June 2017, and 25 July 2017; and counseling statements, dated 10 July 2017, and 7 July 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 5-17 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, under honorable conditions, or an uncharacterized description of service if in entry-level status. Paragraph 3-9 stipulates that a separation will be described as entry-level with service uncharacterized if processing is initiated while a Soldier is 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. 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 "JFV" as the appropriate code to assign enlisted Soldiers who are discharged under the provisions of Army Regulation 635-200, Chapter 5, paragraph 5-17, "Condition, Not a Disability." The SPD Code/RE Code Cross Reference Table shows that a Soldier assigned an SPD Code of "JFV" will be assigned an RE Code of 3. 8. DISCUSSION OF FACT(S): The applicant requests an upgrade of her uncharacterized discharge to honorable. The applicant's available record of service, and the issues and documents submitted with her application were carefully reviewed. The evidence of record shows the applicant was diagnosed by competent medical authority with a medical condition of other designated physical or mental condition, Hip Pain/Injury (Bilateral) with confirmed stress fractures, while in training status. The medical authority recommended for the chain of command to discharge the applicant under the provisions of AR 635-200, paragraph 5-17. The commander concurred with the recommendation that separation be initiated because of the applicant's condition interfered with her ability to perform military duties and being unable to complete Basic Combat Training. The applicant's contentions for an upgrade were carefully considered. However, the applicant's service was uncharacterized because she was in entry-level status (ELS). Army Regulation 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. The applicant was notified and counseled on her impending separation due to the medical provider's diagnosis of her medical condition on 10 July 2017. Her separation was initiated on 8 August 2017, less than 180 days, during the period she was in an entry level status. An honorable discharge may be given only in cases which are clearly warranted by unusual circumstances involving outstanding personal conduct and/or performance of duty. There are no unusual circumstances present in the applicant's record and her service did not warrant an honorable discharge. A general (under honorable conditions) discharge is not authorized under ELS conditions. 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 her current discharge prevents her from obtaining VA benefits. However, eligibility for veterans' benefits to include educational benefits under the Post-9/11 or Montgomery GI Bill does not fall within the purview of the Army Discharge Review Board. Accordingly, the applicant should contact a local office of the Department of Veterans Affairs for further assistance. 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 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 8 January 2020, 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 AR20180012305 1