1. Applicant's Name: a. Application Date: 22 October 2020 b. Date Received: 5 November 2020 c. Counsel: None 2. REQUEST, ISSUES, BOARD TYPE, AND DECISION: a. Applicant's Requests and Issues: The current characterization of service for the period under review is General (Under Honorable Conditions). The applicant requests an upgrade to Honorable and a narrative reason change, along with upgrading their separation and reentry codes. b. The applicant seeks relief contending, upon returning from their Afghanistan deployment, they were mentally struggling but did not know it at the time. The applicant and family faced financial troubles which led to them working a second full-time, 40 hours a week at the restaurant, just to keep them above water. The applicant did this for 6 months, not realizing they were starting to have problems with alcohol. The little time they had to themselves was spent drinking with coworkers to cope with the hardship, which was not their proudest moment. Some nights were so bad, their excessive drinking led to blackouts. Mentally they were a disaster and sought help with behavioral health; they were referred to a psychiatrist. The psychiatrist helped them not only to identify their problems but also how to deal with them. With much regret, they know they messed up the best thing they had going for them, their Army career. The applicant is trying to put their life back together. They are a full-time student at Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology, with one certificate earned for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), General, currently working on their Airframe and Powerplant Certificate to be an Aviation Maintenance Technician. c. Board Type and Decision: In a records review conducted on 5 January 2024, and by a 5-0 vote, the Board determined the discharge is inequitable based on the applicant's length and quality of service, to include combat service, the circumstances surrounding the discharge (Chronic Adjustment Disorder). Therefore, the Board voted to grant relief in the form of an upgrade of the characterization of service to Honorable and change the separation authority to AR 635-200, paragraph 14-12a, the narrative reason for separation to Misconduct (Minor Infractions), with a corresponding separation code of JKN. No change to the reentry code. 3. DISCHARGE DETAILS: a. Reason / Authority / Codes / Characterization: Misconduct (Serious Offense) / AR 635-200, Chapter 14-12c / JKQ / RE-4 / General (Under Honorable Conditions) b. Date of Discharge: 13 February 2020 c. Separation Facts: (1) Date of Notification of Intent to Separate: 23 January 2020 (2) Basis for Separation: On 18 September 2019, they tested positive for the wrongful use of cocaine. (3) Recommended Characterization: General (Under Honorable Conditions) (4) Legal Consultation Date: 27 January 2020 (5) Administrative Separation Board: NA (6) Separation Decision Date / Characterization: 3 February 2020 / General (Under Honorable Conditions) 4. SERVICE DETAILS: a. Date / Period of Enlistment: 24 October 2016 / 4 years b. Age at Enlistment / Education / GT Score: 23 / High School Graduate / 90 c. Highest Grade Achieved / MOS / Total Service: E-5 / 89B20 Ammunition Specialist / 2 years and 10 months d. Prior Service / Characterizations: NA e. Overseas Service / Combat Service: None / SWA- Afghanistan (26 May 2018 - 19 February 2019) f. Awards and Decorations: AAM, AAMC, ACM-CS, NCOPDR, ASR, NM g. Performance Ratings: None h. Disciplinary Action(s) / Evidentiary Record: (1) On 31 August 2016, the applicant enlisted in the United States Army Reserve's Delayed Entry Program; on 24 October 2016, they enlisted in the Regular Army for 4 years as an PVT. (2) On 27 June 2018, the applicant received orders to deploy in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel in Bagram, Afghanistan until 19 February 2019. (3) The applicant provided 5 Developmental Counseling Forms, documenting their initial one and monthly performances for September - December 2018. The applicant was recommended for the promotion board with 25 months of Time in Service and 8 months of Time in Grade in December and as a result, they were promoted to SGT in January 2019. (4) On 2 October 2019, the Alcohol and Drug Control Officer (ASAP) notified the command of the applicant's positive urinalysis results [collected 18 September 2019] for wrongful use of cocaine; ASAP additionally advised the applicant must be referred to Substance Use Disorder Clinical Care (SUDCC) and reported to Criminal Investigation Division (CID). (5) On 8 October 2019, a Suspend Favorable Personnel Actions (FLAG) was placed on their record for drug abuse adverse action (UA) and field-initiated involuntary separation (BA) effective 18 September 2019. They were counseled on 8 October 2019 and advised separation actions would be initiated. (6) On 8 November 2019, a Report of Medical Examination completed at Hawks Troop Medical Clinic (TMC), Fort Stewart, GA, provides the Physician noted chronic left ankle and foot pain, hypermetropia, and abnormal hearing test and to follow-up with their Primary Care Managers as needed; the applicant is qualified for service and separation. (7) The same day, a Report of Medical Assessment, provides the applicant lists their back, ankle, foot, shoulder, hearing, sleep, wrist, and jumpy, as issues they would seek VA disability for. The Dr. stated to follow-up with Primary Care Manager as needed, stating no hearing issues prior to their separation hearing test. (8) On 23 January 2020, the company commander notified the applicant of their intent to separate them under provisions of AR 635-200, Chapter 14, Misconduct (Serious Offense), recommending a General (Under Honorable Conditions) characterization of service. On 30 January 2020, the battalion commander concurred. The same day, the applicant acknowledged receipt of their separation notice. (9) On 27 January 2020, the applicant elected to receive legal counsel and elected the option to submit a statement within 7 days of receipt, however, the record is void of one. The defense counsel acknowledged their consultation. (10) On 3 February 2020, the appropriate separation authority approved the separation and directed they received a General (Under Honorable Conditions) characterization of service. On 4 February 2020, separation orders were issued. (11) A DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) reflects the applicant was discharged accordingly on 13 February 2020 with a General (Under Honorable Conditions) characterization of service. Their total net service is 3 years, 5 months, and 13 days. i. Lost Time / Mode of Return: None j. Behavioral Health Condition(s): (1) Applicant provided: On 28 October 2020, the applicant provided an incomplete printout from their VA.gov account listing tension headaches rated 30 percent, Adjustment Disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood with unspecified cocaine use disorder and mild alcohol use disorder (also claimed as posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, short and long term memory loss and insomnia), left wrist strain rated 10 percent, and right knee strain rated as 10 percent; it shows the above disabilities are service-connected; however, the effective date list "Invalid date". (2) AMHRR Listed: On 27 November 2019, the applicant completed a Mental Status Evaluation at Hawks TMC, Fort Stewart, GA, the BH Provider diagnosed the applicant with cocaine use disorder and alcohol use disorder with a recommendation to follow-up with SUDCC, stating their BH condition is not of a sufficient severity to impair their judgement and reliability or otherwise prevent them from serving in their assigned position; the applicant was cleared. 5. APPLICANT-PROVIDED EVIDENCE: a. The applicant submitted the following documents: * DD Form 293 (Application For Review of Discharge) * Self-Authored Statement * DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) * Veterans Affairs (VA) 30% Rating * Basic Leader Course (BLC) Commandant's List Memorandum * Unit Armorer Certificate * Five Developmental Counseling Forms * Crew Chief Duty Appointment Memo * Army Achievement Medal (DD Form 638 included) * Army Achievement Medal w/Combat Device (DD Form 638 included) * Biography * Promotion Board Proceedings for SGT * NATO Medal * Combat Patch * NCO Academy Basic Leadership Course (BLC) Class 06-19 * Service School Academic Evaluation Report * Commandant's List Memorandum * VA Physician's Letter (b) On 30 September 2020, SSG, provided a character letter stating they are the Platoon Sergeant of the company and they worked with the applicant, while they were assigned as the Ammo and Orderly NCOIC for their formation. During this time, the applicant displayed the characteristics and attributes of a sound and astute leader. In their duties, they have shown initiative on numerous occasions and displayed mature sound judgment, while always maintaining a mission focus attitude. They are one of the most trusted advisors and is a consummate professional as a NCO. They have dedicated their time to the Army and was an integral asset and has always been a highly motivated, energetic, and compassionate leader. Their drive, passion, and pursuit for excellence is unmatched. (c) On 7 October 2020, MAJ, provided a character letter stating the applicant worked in their formation for 10 months and displayed the characteristics and attributes of a sound and astute leader and Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO). While assigned to their company, the applicant served as both the Ammo and Orderly Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC), and in both positions, the applicant demonstrated the initiative, creativity and professionalism, the Army expects of its best NCO's. The applicant is a consummate professional and as an NCO, they possess the skills, knowledge, and commitment the Army strives to instill in the NCO corps. Though, the applicant made an error in judgement, they served in the United States Army with honor and their service to the company was without a doubt, Honorable. Their drive, passion, and pursuit for excellence were unmatched while on active duty, and the commander believes had the applicant continued their service, they would have risen to the ranks of our senior enlisted leaders. (d) On 23 October 2020, CW2, provided a character letter stating the applicant served as an Ammunition Specialist for 24 months in their area of responsibility. CW2 increased the applicant's responsibilities and had them cross-trained to perform duties outside of their primary Military Occupational Specialty: 89B. As the CW2's areas of responsibility changed, the applicants would change with every accomplishment they achieved. The applicant carried out their duties professionally and placed their energy, dedication, and commitment into projects and initiatives the Company was tasked with. Their tireless efforts are now displayed in the Company's crew chief training program, as they was one of the first few integrated to launch and recover an MQ-1C; the Company's Arms Room, as they assisted in its certification and passing inspection, as well as easing monthly sensitive item inventories; additionally, they spent many hours assisting the CW2's mechanics in the Motor Pool doing 10 level and 20 level maintenance inspections and services. The applicant served with pride and honor but unfortunately made an irrefutable mistake; the applicant owned it, was repentant, and finished their time honorably. They did not allow the one mistake to define them. The applicant is in school and is working on getting their Federal Aviation Administration Certificate in General, Airframe, and Powerplant in which these are hard courses, even challenging those with aviation experience. CW2 was honored to write the character reference and implores the Board to consider these facts into the consideration of the upgrade. (e) The applicant provided evidence of their enrollment as a fulltime student at Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology in which they completed their Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Aviation Maintenance Technician (General) Certificate on 20 October 2020. Their transcript provides a 4.0 grade point average (GPA) for their Powerplant and Airframe Certificates displaying "In Progress". 6. POST SERVICE ACCOMPLISHMENTS: The applicant provided evidence of their enrollment as a fulltime student at Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology in which they completed their Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Aviation Maintenance Technician (General) Certificate. Their transcript provides a 4.0 grade point average (GPA) for their Powerplant and Airframe Certificates displaying "In Progress". 7. STATUTORY, REGULATORY AND POLICY REFERENCE(S): a. Section 1553, Title 10, United States Code (Review of Discharge or Dismissal) provides for the creation, composition, and scope of review conducted by a Discharge Review Board(s) within established governing standards. As amended by Sections 521 and 525 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020, 10 USC 1553 provides specific guidance to the Military Boards for Correction of Military/Naval Records and Discharge Review Boards when considering discharge upgrade requests by Veterans claiming Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), sexual trauma, intimate partner violence (IPV), or spousal abuse, as a basis for discharge review. The amended guidance provides that Boards will include, as a voting board member, a physician trained in mental health disorders, a clinical psychologist, or a psychiatrist when the discharge upgrade claim asserts a mental health condition, including PTSD, TBI, sexual trauma, IPV, or spousal abuse, as a basis for the discharge. Further, the guidance provides that Military Boards for Correction of Military/Naval Records and Discharge Review Boards will develop and provide specialized training specific to sexual trauma, IPV, spousal abuse, as well as the various responses of individuals to trauma. b. Multiple Department of Defense Policy Guidance Memoranda published between 2014 and 2018. The documents are commonly referred to by the signatory authorities' last names (2014 Secretary of Defense Guidance [Hagel memo], 2016 Acting Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness [Carson memo], 2017 Official Performing the Duties of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness [Kurta memo], and 2018 Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness [Wilkie memo]. (1) Individually and collectively, these documents provide further clarification to the Military Discharge Review Boards and Boards for Correction of Military/Naval Records when considering requests by Veterans for modification of their discharge due to mental health conditions, including PTSD; TBI; sexual assault; or sexual harassment. Liberal consideration will be given to Veterans petitioning for discharge relief when the application for relief is based in whole or in part on matters relating to mental health conditions, including PTSD; TBI; sexual assault; or sexual harassment. Special consideration will be given to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) determinations that document a mental health condition, including PTSD; TBI; or sexual assault/harassment potentially contributed to the circumstances resulting in a less than honorable discharge characterization. Special consideration will also be given in cases where a civilian provider confers diagnoses of a mental health condition, including PTSD; TBI; or sexual assault/harassment if the case records contain narratives supporting symptomatology at the time of service or when any other evidence which may reasonably indicate that a mental health condition, including PTSD; TBI; or sexual assault/harassment existed at the time of discharge might have mitigated the misconduct that caused a discharge of lesser characterization. (2) Conditions documented in the service record that can reasonably be determined to have existed at the time of discharge will be considered to have existed at the time of discharge. In cases in which a mental health condition, including PTSD; TBI; or sexual assault/harassment may be reasonably determined to have existed at the time of discharge, those conditions will be considered potential mitigating factors in the misconduct that caused the characterization of service in question. All Boards will exercise caution in weighing evidence of mitigation in cases in which serious misconduct precipitated a discharge with a less than Honorable characterization of service. Potentially mitigating evidence of the existence of undiagnosed combat related PTSD, PTSD-related conditions due to TBI or sexual assault/harassment as causative factors in the misconduct resulting in discharge will be carefully weighed against the severity of the misconduct. PTSD is not a likely cause of premeditated misconduct. Caution shall be exercised in weighing evidence of mitigation in all cases of misconduct by carefully considering the likely causal relationship of symptoms to the misconduct. c. Army Regulation 15-180 (Army Discharge Review Board), dated 25 September 2019, sets forth the policies and procedures under which the Army Discharge Review Board is authorized to review the character, reason, and authority of any Servicemember discharged from active military service within 15 years of the Servicemember's date of discharge. Additionally, it prescribes actions and composition of the Army Discharge Review Board under Public Law 95-126; Section 1553, Title 10 United States Code; and Department of Defense Directive 1332.41 and Instruction 1332.28. d. Army Regulation 635-200 provides the basic authority for the separation of enlisted personnel. (1) An Honorable discharge is a separation with honor and is appropriate when the quality of the Soldier's service generally has met the standards of acceptable conduct and performance of duty for Army personnel or is otherwise so meritorious that any other characterization would be clearly inappropriate. (2) A General discharge is a separation from the Army under honorable conditions and is issued to a Soldier whose military record is satisfactory but not sufficiently meritorious to warrant an honorable discharge. (3) An Under other-than-honorable-conditions discharge is an administrative separation from the Service under conditions other than honorable and it may be issued for misconduct, fraudulent entry, security reasons, or in lieu of trial by court martial based on certain circumstances or patterns of behavior or acts or omissions that constitute a significant departure from the conduct expected of Soldiers in the Army. (4) Chapter 14 establishes policy and prescribes procedures for separating members for misconduct. Specific categories include minor disciplinary infractions, a pattern of misconduct, and commission of a serious offense, to include abuse of illegal drugs, convictions by civil authorities and desertion or being absent without leave. Action will be taken to separate a member for misconduct when it is clearly established that rehabilitation is impractical or unlikely to succeed. A discharge under other than honorable conditions is normally appropriate for a Soldier discharged under this chapter. However, the separation authority may direct a general discharge if such is merited by the Soldier's overall record. A Soldier is subject to action per this section for commission of a serious military or civilian offense, if the specific circumstances of the offense warrant separation and a punitive discharge is, or would be, authorized for the same or a closely related offense under the Manual for Courts-Martial. (5) Chapter 15 provides explicitly for separation under the prerogative of the Secretary of the Army. Secretarial plenary separation authority is exercised sparingly and seldom delegated. Ordinarily, it is used when no other provision of this regulation applies, and early separation is clearly in the Army's best interest. Separations under this paragraph are effective only if approved in writing by the Secretary of the Army or the Secretary's approved designee as announced in updated memoranda. Secretarial separation authority is normally exercised on a case-by-case basis. e. 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 "JKQ" as the appropriate code to assign enlisted Soldiers who are discharged under the provisions of Army Regulation 635-200, Chapter 14, Misconduct (Serious Offense). f. Army Regulation 601-210, Regular Army, and Reserve Components Enlistment Program, governs eligibility criteria, policies, and procedures for enlistment and processing of persons into the Regular Army, the U.S. Army Reserve, and Army National Guard for enlistment per DODI 1304.26. It also prescribes the appointment, reassignment, management, and mobilization of Reserve Officers' Training Corps cadets under the Simultaneous Membership Program. Chapter 4 provides the criteria and procedures for waiverable and nonwaiverable separations. Table 3-1, defines reentry eligibility (RE) codes: (1) RE-1 Applies to: Person completing his or her term of active service who is considered qualified to reenter the U.S. Army. Eligibility: Qualified for enlistment if all other criteria are met. (2) RE-3 Applies to: Person who is not considered fully qualified for reentry or continuous service at time of separation, but disqualification is waiverable. Eligibility: Ineligible unless a waiver is granted. (3) RE-4 Applies to: Person separated from last period of service with a nonwaiverable disqualification. This includes anyone with a DA imposed bar to reenlistment in effect at time of separation or separated for any reason (except length of service retirement) with 18 or more years active Federal service. Eligibility: Ineligible for enlistment. g. Army Regulation 600-85 (Army Substance Abuse Program (ASAP)), provided a comprehensive alcohol and drug abuse prevention and control policies, procedures, and responsibilities for Soldiers for ASAP services. The ASAP is a command program that emphasizes readiness and personal responsibility. The ultimate decision regarding separation or retention of abusers is the responsibility of the Soldier's chain of command. Abuse of alcohol or the use of illicit drugs by military personnel is inconsistent with Army values and the standards of performance, discipline, and readiness necessary to accomplish the Army's mission. (1) Unit commanders must intervene early and refer all Soldiers suspected or identified as alcohol and/or drug abusers to the ASAP. The unit commander should recommend enrollment based on the Soldier's potential for continued military service in terms of professional skills, behavior, and potential for advancement. (2) ASAP participation is mandatory for all Soldiers who are command referred. Failure to attend a mandatory counseling session may constitute a violation of Article 86 (Absence Without Leave) of the UCMJ. (3) Alcohol and/or other drug abusers, and in some cases dependent alcohol users, may be enrolled in the ASAP when such enrollment is clinically recommended. Soldiers who fail to participate adequately in, or to respond successfully to, rehabilitation will be processed for administrative separation and not be provided another opportunity for rehabilitation except under the most extraordinary circumstances, as determined by the Clinical Director in consultation with the unit commander. (4) All Soldiers who are identified as drug abusers, without exception, will be referred to the ASAP counseling center for screening; be considered for disciplinary action under the UCMJ, as appropriate; and be processed for administrative separation in accordance with Army Regulation 635-200. h. Manual for Courts-Martial (2019 Edition), United States, states military law consists of the statutes governing the military establishment and regulations issued thereunder, the constitutional powers of the President and regulations issued thereunder, and the inherent authority of military commanders. Military law includes jurisdiction exercised by courts-martial and the jurisdiction exercised by commanders with respect to nonjudicial punishment. The purpose of military law is to promote justice, to assist in maintaining good orders and discipline in the Armed Forces. Article 112a (Wrongful Use, Possession, etc., of Controlled Substances) stated in subparagraph e (Maximum Punishment) the wrongful use, possession, manufacture, or introduction of controlled substance, to include cocaine the maximum punishment consists of a dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and confinement 5 years. i. Title 38, U.S. Code, Sections 1110 and 1131, permits the VA to award compensation for a medical condition which was incurred in or aggravated by active military service. The VA, however, is not required by law to determine medical unfitness for further military service. The VA, in accordance with its own policies and regulations, awards compensation solely on the basis that a medical condition exists and that said medical condition reduces or impairs the social or industrial adaptability of the individual concerned. Consequently, due to the two concepts involved, an individual's medical condition, although not considered, medically unfitting for military service at the time of processing for separation, discharge, or retirement, may be sufficient to qualify the individual for VA benefits based on an evaluation by the agency. 8. SUMMARY OF FACT(S): The Army Discharge Review Board considers applications for upgrade as instructed by Department of Defense Instruction 1332.28. a. The applicant requests an upgrade to Honorable, in addition to a narrative reason change, and upgrading their separation and reenlistment codes. The applicant's Army Military Human Resources Record (AMHRR), the issues, and documents submitted with the application were carefully reviewed. b. A review of the available evidence provides the applicant enlisted in the RA as a PVT. They worked as an ammunition specialist (89B20) and for nearly 6 months deployed in support of Operation Freedom Sentinel (Afghanistan). The applicant was awarded two Army Achievement Medals including one with combat device and was awarded the NATO Medal. They promoted to SGT in January 2019, completed their BLC exceeding the course standards, and was placed on the Commander's List for "Academic Excellence". The applicant served 2 years, 10 months, and 25 days before their misconduct. (1) The applicant wrongfully used cocaine in September 2019 and as a result, they were flagged, Suspend Favorable Personnel Actions (FLAG), for involuntary separation and drug abuse adverse action. Separation actions were taken to process the applicant IAW Chapter 14- 12c, Misconduct (Serious Offense). (2) Evidence provides the applicant completed medical/mental status evaluations prior to separation. Their medical examination revealed a few issues, referring them to audiology and noted to follow-up with their PCM as needed. The BH Provider diagnosed the applicant with cocaine use disorder and alcohol use disorder, noting follow-up with SUDCC as needed and cleared them. The applicant provided an incomplete printout from their VA.gov account listing tension headaches rated 30 percent, Adjustment Disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood with unspecified cocaine use disorder and mild alcohol use disorder (also claimed as posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, short and long term memory loss and insomnia), left wrist strain rated 10 percent, and right knee strain rated as 10 percent; it shows the above disabilities are service-connected; however, the effective date list "Invalid date". (3) The applicant consulted with defense counsel prior to their separation and stated they were submitting a statement within 7 days of receipt of the separation notice; however, the statement is missing from the record. (4) The third-party statements speak highly of the applicant's character, their Honorable service, commitment to excellence while in the Army, their professionalism, and to the applicant's resiliency in pursuing their FAA Certifications in General, Airframe, and Powerplant as an aviation maintenance technician. c. Chapter 14 establishes policy and prescribes procedures for separating members for misconduct. Specific categories include minor disciplinary infractions, a pattern of misconduct, commission of a serious offense and convictions by civil authorities. Action will be taken to separate a member for misconduct when it is clearly established that rehabilitation is impracticable or is unlikely to succeed. A discharge under other than honorable conditions is normally appropriate for a Soldier discharged under this chapter. However, the separation authority may direct a general discharge if such is merited by the Soldier's overall record. d. Published DoD guidance indicates that the guidance is not intended to interfere or impede on the Board's statutory independence. The Board will determine the relative weight of the action that led to the discharge and whether it supports relief or not. In reaching its determination, the Board shall consider the applicant's petition, available records and/or submitted documents in support of the petition. 9. BOARD DISCUSSION AND DETERMINATION: a. As directed by the 2017 memo signed by A.M. Kurta, the board considered the following factors: (1) Did the applicant have a condition or experience that may excuse or mitigate the discharge? Yes. The Board's Medical Advisor, a voting member, reviewed the applicant's DOD and VA health records, applicant's statement, and/or civilian provider documentation and found that the applicant has the following potentially-mitigating diagnoses/experiences: Adjustment DO with anxiety; Chronic Adjustment DO (30%SC). (2) Did the condition exist or experience occur during military service? Yes. The Board's Medical Advisor found that Adjustment DO was diagnosed during military service. VA service connection for Chronic Adjustment DO (CAD) establishes it occurred or began during service. (3) Does the condition or experience actually excuse or mitigate the discharge? Yes. The Board's Medical Advisor applied liberal consideration and opined that the applicant has a mitigating BH condition, CAD. As there is an association between CAD and use of illicit drugs to self-medicate, there is a nexus between CAD and the applicant's wrongful use of cocaine. (Note-Diagnosis of Adjustment DO with anxiety is subsumed under the diagnosis of CAD). (4) Does the condition or experience outweigh the discharge? Yes. Based on liberally considering all the evidence before the Board, the ADRB determined that the Adjustment DO with anxiety; Chronic Adjustment DO outweighed the basis of separation; wrongful use of illegal drugs-cocaine. b. Response to Contention(s): The applicant did not make any contentions. c. The Board determined the discharge is inequitable based on the applicant's length and quality of service, to include combat service, and the circumstances surrounding the discharge (Chronic Adjustment Disorder). Therefore, the Board voted to grant relief in the form of an upgrade of the characterization of service to Honorable and change the separation authority to AR 635-200, paragraph 14-12a, the narrative reason for separation to Misconduct (Minor Infractions), with a corresponding separation code of JKN. No change to the reentry code. d. Rationale for Decision: The Board carefully considered the applicant's request, supporting documents, evidence in the records, a medical review, and published Department of Defense guidance for liberal consideration of discharge upgrade requests. The Board considered the applicant's statement, record of service, the frequency and nature of misconduct, and reason for separation. The Board concurred with the conclusion of the medical advising official that the applicant's BH condition, Chronic Adjustment Disorder, mitigates the basis of separation and warrant a change to the characterization and narrative reason for separation. (1) The Board voted to change the applicant's characterization of service to Honorable and change the separation authority to AR 635-200, paragraph 14-12a (2) The Board voted to change for separation to Misconduct (Minor Infractions), with a corresponding separation code of JKN. (3) The RE code will not change, as the current code is consistent with the procedural and substantive requirements of the regulation. 10. BOARD ACTION DIRECTED: a. Issue a New DD-214: Yes b. Change Characterization to: Honorable c. Change Reason / SPD Code to: Misconduct (Minor Infractions)/JKN d. Change RE Code to: No change e. Change Authority to: AR 635-200, paragraph 14-12a a. Change Authority to: Authenticating Official: Legend: AWOL - Absent Without Leave AMHRR - Army Military Human Resource Record BCD - Bad Conduct Discharge BH - Behavioral Health CG - Company Grade Article 15 CID - Criminal Investigation Division ELS - Entry Level Status FG - Field Grade Article 15 GD - General Discharge HS - High School HD - Honorable Discharge IADT - Initial Active Duty Training MP - Military Police MST - Military Sexual Trauma N/A - Not applicable NCO - Noncommissioned Officer NIF - Not in File NOS - Not Otherwise Specified OAD - Ordered to Active Duty OBH (I) - Other Behavioral Health (Issues) OMPF - Official Military Personnel File PTSD - Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder RE - Re-entry SCM - Summary Court Martial SPCM - Special Court Martial SPD - Separation Program Designator TBI - Traumatic Brain Injury UNC - Uncharacterized Discharge UOTHC - Under Other Than Honorable Conditions VA - Department of Veterans Affairs ARMY DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD CASE REPORT AND DIRECTIVE AR20210008496 1