1. Applicant's Name: a. Application Date: 3 November 2018 b. Date Received: 9 November 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, the discharge resulted from an injury sustained while attending basic training. In a records review conducted at Arlington, VA on 20 March 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, Chapter 5-17 / JFV / RE-3 / Uncharacterized b. Date of Discharge: 13 June 2018 c. Separation Facts: (1) Date of Notification of Intent to Separate: 24 May 2018 (2) Basis for Separation: The applicant was informed of the following reasons: Diagnosed with right IDR stress injury, which significantly limits her ability to train. R.B., DPT, believed that separation from the military was best at the time. (3) Recommended Characterization: Uncharacterized (4) Legal Consultation Date: On 24 May 2018, the applicant waived her rights to consult with a JAG officer. (5) Administrative Separation Board: NA (6) Separation Decision Date / Characterization: 7 June 2018 / Uncharacterized 4. SERVICE DETAILS: a. Date / Period of Enlistment: 19 March 2018 / 3 years, 25 weeks b. Age at Enlistment / Education / GT Score: 17 / HS Graduate / 101 c. Highest Grade Achieved / MOS / Total Service: E-1 / None / 2 months, 25 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: Chapter 5-17 Recommendation (memo), dated 2 May 2018, reflects the applicant was evaluated by a Physical Therapist for right IDR Stress Injury sustained as a result of the impact stresses normal physical activities require in training (marching, running, jumping). This diagnosis was confirmed by _x-ray _bone scan MRI. This Soldier had been deemed unfit to continue serving in the U.S. Army and so will not be sent on convalescent leave, but will be provided with restrictive profiling to prohibit training activities and protect the injury from progressing. Because this injury is a factor of overuse, loading, and impact, separation from the military was in the Army's and the Soldier's best interest at the time. The Soldier needed more time to heal and then develop improved tolerance for impact related activity through a progressive strengthening and reconditioning program to be able to tolerate the stresses of Initial Military Training (IMT). The recommendation was that the chain of command consider her for discharge under AR 635-200, Chapter 5-17. i. Lost Time / Mode of Return: None j. Diagnosed PTSD / TBI / Behavioral Health: None 5. APPLICANT-PROVIDED EVIDENCE: DD Form 293; two Free Standing Outpatient Exams. 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 her uncharacterized discharge to general (under honorable conditions). The applicant's record of service, the issues and documents submitted with her 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 right IDR stress injury. It was determined these injuries would prevent her from completing training. The applicant contends she was discharged due to an injury she sustained while in basic training; and, therefore her discharge should be upgraded. However, 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 her overall service record. 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 20 March 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 AR20180015234 1