1. Applicant's Name: a. Application Date: 30 August 2018 b. Date Received: 10 September 2018 c. Counsel: None 2. REQUEST, ISSUES, BOARD TYPE, AND DECISION: The applicant requests an upgrade of an uncharacterized discharge to general (under honorable conditions). The applicant seeks relief contending, in effect, an upgrade will allow the applicant to apply for veteran's benefits. In a records review conducted at Arlington, VA on 19 February 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: Condition, Not a Disability / AR 635- 200, Chapter 5-13 or 5-17 / JFV / RE-3 / Uncharacterized b. Date of Discharge: 24 August 2018 c. Separation Facts: (1) Date of Notification of Intent to Separate: 9 August 2018 (2) Basis for Separation: The applicant was informed of the following reasons: The applicant was diagnosed with stress injuries in both hips after MRI images were reviewed, that were sustained during normal physical necessary during BCT training. (3) Recommended Characterization: Uncharacterized (4) Legal Consultation Date: On 9 August 2018, the applicant waived his rights to consult with a JAG officer. (5) Administrative Separation Board: NA (6) Separation Decision Date / Characterization: 20 August 2018 / Uncharacterized 4. SERVICE DETAILS: a. Date / Period of Enlistment: 3 July 2018 / 3 years, 23 weeks b. Age at Enlistment / Education / GT Score: 26 / 1 year college / 96 c. Highest Grade Achieved / MOS / Total Service: E-4 / None / 1 month, 22 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: Memorandum for record, dated 26 July 2018, reflects the applicant was evaluated by a Physical Therapist for pain in the hips that developed as a result of normal training activities (running, jumping, marching). The applicant has had a bone scan and an MRI that show he has developed stress fractures in both hips (the right more than left femoral neck). He had an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon who offered surgery, and the applicant declined getting surgery. It was believed that separation from the military would be in this Soldier's best interest at that time. He did not qualify for an EPTS or an MEB separation and was offered convalescent leave, which he denied. The recommendation was for the applicant to get a follow-up MRI, about 1-2 months from then when he was home. Once his hips have healed, he would need to perform at least 9-12 months of a regular strength training and conditioning program that includes progressive impact on hard surfaces for his hips to tolerate the stresses of Basic Combat Training without further injury. The recommendation was that he receive a Chapter 5-17 through Echo, 3/34TH INF REGT. i. Lost Time / Mode of Return: None j. Diagnosed PTSD / TBI / Behavioral Health: None 5. APPLICANT-PROVIDED EVIDENCE: DD Form 149; DD Form 214; DD Form 293; Memorandum for Record. 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 general (under honorable conditions). 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 a bilateral hip, knee, shins, ankles, back and left shoulder pain. It was determined these injuries would prevent him from completing training. The applicant contends that an upgrade of his discharge would allow veterans benefits. However, eligibility for veteran's benefits 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 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 19 February 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 AR20180012586 1