DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
 NAVAL DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD (NDRB)
                     DISCHARGE REVIEW
                   DECISIONAL DOCUMENT

ex-Rank, USMC
Docket No. MD04-00425

Applicant’s Request

The application for discharge review was received on 20040112.  The Applicant requested the characterization of service received at the time of discharge be changed to honorable or general/under honorable conditions.  The Applicant requested a documentary record review.  The Applicant did not list a representative on his DD Form 293.

Decision

A documentary discharge review was conducted in Washington, D.C. on 20040817.  After a thorough review of the records, supporting documents, facts, and circumstances unique to this case, no impropriety or inequity in the characterization of the Applicant’s service was discovered by the NDRB.  The Board’s vote was unanimous that the character of the discharge shall not change.  The discharge shall remain: UNCHARACTERIZED/PERSONALITY DISORDER, authority: MARCORSEPMAN Par. 6203.3

PART I - APPLICANT’S ISSUES AND DOCUMENTATION

Issues, as stated

Applicant’s issues, as stated on the application:

1.  “Due to miss diagnosed with the wrong condition.  My true condition was my lungs and phneumonia, I still have lung problems and I feel that I am obligated to see If My uncharacterized discharged can be change to an General under Honorable or Honorable along with my R-E code”

Documentation

The Applicant submitted no additional documentation for the Board’s consideration in reviewing his case.

PART II - SUMMARY OF SERVICE

Prior Service (component, dates of service, type of discharge):

	Active:   None
	Inactive: USMCR (J)		991203 - 000723	COG

Period of Service Under Review:

Date of Enlistment:  000724		Date of Discharge:  010109

Length of Service (years, months, days):

	Active:    00  05  16
	Inactive:  None

Age at Entry:  18			Years Contracted:  4

Education Level:  12			AFQT:  46

Highest Rank:  Pvt  (MOS:  9971, Basic Marine)

Final Enlisted Performance Evaluation Averages (number of marks):

Proficiency:  4.2 (1)			Conduct:  4.2 (1)

Military Decorations:  None

Unit/Campaign/Service Awards:  None

Days of Unauthorized Absence:  None

Character, Narrative Reason, and Authority of Discharge (at time of issuance):

UNCHARACTERIZED/PERSONALITY DISORDER, authority:  MARCORSEPMAN Par. 6203.3.

Chronological Listing of Significant Service Events:

001113:	Medical evaluation by a military doctor at the Mental Health Clinic, Naval Hospital, Camp Pendleton, CA concluded that the Applicant’s personality disorder was so severe that his ability to function effectively in the military environment was significantly impaired.

	AXIS I:  Adjustment disorder, Occupational problems
	
	AXIS II:  Borderline Personality Disorder

	AXIS III:  None

	AXIS IV:  Military lifestyle

	AXIS V:  GAF 55      

001128:	Counseled for deficiencies in performance and conduct.  [Diagnosed with a Personality Disorder that hinders (Applicant’s) ability to train.]  Necessary corrective actions explained, sources of assistance provided, disciplinary and discharge warning issued.

001208:	Applicant notified of intended recommendation separation with an uncharacterized discharge for convenience of the government due to a personality disorder, based upon a diagnosed adjustment disorder and “being found to be a danger to (himself) and others.”

001208:	Applicant advised of rights and having elected not to consult with counsel certified under UCMJ Article 27B, elected to waive all rights except the right to obtain copies of the documents used to support the basis for the separation.

001208:	Commanding officer recommended the Applicant’s separation with an uncharacterized discharge for convenience of the government due to a personality disorder, based upon a diagnosed personality disorder as evidenced by psychological evaluation.  The factual basis for this recommendation was the medical diagnosis and the Applicant’s inability to adapt to military life.

010103:	GCMCA [Commanding General, Marine Crops Base, Camp Pendleton] directed the Applicant's separation with an uncharacterized discharge for convenience of the government due to a personality disorder.

PART III – RATIONALE FOR DECISION AND PERTINENT REGULATION/LAW

Discussion

The Applicant was separated on 20010109 with an uncharacterized discharge for convenience of the government due to a personality disorder (A and B).  The Board presumed regularity in the conduct of governmental affairs (C).  After a thorough review of the records, supporting documents, facts, and circumstances unique to this case, the Board found that the discharge was proper and equitable (D and E).

Issue 1:  By regulation, members discharged within the first 180 days of enlistment are given a service characterization of “Uncharacterized” unless there were unusual circumstances regarding performance or conduct, which would merit an “honorable” discharge characterization.  The Applicant’s service record did not contain any unusual circumstances during his short time in the military to warrant a change to “honorable.”  Relief denied.  

The Applicant should be aware that, with respect to nonservice-related administrative matters, i.e., VA benefits, civilian employment, educational pursuits, etc., an uncharacterized separation shall be considered the equivalent of an honorable or general (under honorable conditions) discharge.

The Veterans Administration determines eligibility for post-service benefits not the Naval Discharge Review Board.  There is no requirement or law that grants recharacterization solely on the issue of obtaining Veterans' benefits and this issue does not serve to provide a foundation upon which the Board can grant relief.  Additionally, the Board has no authority to upgrade a discharge for the sole purpose of enhancing employment or educational opportunities.  Regulations limit the Board’s review to a determination on the propriety and equity of the discharge.

The NDRB, under its responsibility to examine the propriety and equity of an Applicant's discharge, will change the reason for discharge if such a change is warranted.  The record does not support the Applicant’s contention he was misdiagnosed.  He was diagnosed, by qualified medical officer, as possessing a long-standing disorder of character and behavior so severe it interfered with his ability to function effectively in a military environment.  He was considered a continuing risk to do harm to himself or others.  The applicant's DD Form 214, Block 28, Narrative Reason for Separation, indicates he was separated for a Personality Disorder.  No other Narrative Reason for Separation could more clearly describe why the applicant was discharged.  To change the Narrative Reason Separation would be inappropriate.

Concerning a change in reenlistment code, the NDRB has no authority to change reenlistment codes or make recommendations to permit reenlistment, reentry, or reinstatement into the Naval Service or any other branch of the Armed Forces.  Neither a less than fully honorable discharge nor an unfavorable “RE” code is, in itself, a bar to reenlistment.  A request for waiver is normally done only during the processing of a formal application for enlistment through a recruiter.  Relief cannot be granted for this request.

The Applicant remains eligible for a personal appearance hearing, provided an application is received, at the NDRB, within 15 years from the date of discharge.  The Applicant can provide additional documentation to support any claims of post-service accomplishments at that time.  Representation at a personal appearance hearing is recommended but not required.

Pertinent Regulation/Law (at time of discharge)

A.  Paragraph 6203, CONVENIENCE OF THE GOVERNMENT, of the Marine Corps Separation and Retirement Manual, (MCO P1900.16E), effective 18 Aug 95 until 31 August 2001.

B.  Table 6-1, Guide for Characterization of Service, of the Marine Corps Separation and Retirement Manual, (MCO P1900.16E), effective 18 Aug 95 until Present.

C.  Secretary of the Navy Instruction 5420.174C of 22 August 1984 (Manual for Discharge Review, 1984), enclosure (1), Chapter 2, AUTHORITY/POLICY FOR DEPARTMENTAL DISCHARGE REVIEW.  

D.  Secretary of the Navy Instruction 5420.174C of 22 August 1984 (Manual for Discharge Review, 1984), enclosure (1), Chapter 9, paragraph 9.2, PROPRIETY OF THE DISCHARGE.

E.  Secretary of the Navy Instruction 5420.174C of 22 August 1984 (Manual for Discharge Review, 1984), enclosure (1), Chapter 9, paragraph 9.3, EQUITY OF THE DISCHARGE.

PART IV - INFORMATION FOR THE APPLICANT

If you believe that the decision in your case is unclear, not responsive to the issues you raised, or does not otherwise comport with the decisional document requirements of DoD Directive 1332.28, you may submit a complaint in accordance with Enclosure (5) of that Directive.  You should read Enclosure (5) of the Directive before submitting such a complaint.  The complaint procedure does not permit a challenge of the merits of the decision; it is designed solely to ensure that the decisional documents meet applicable requirements for clarity and responsiveness.  You may view DoD Directive 1332.28 and other Decisional Documents by going online at “afls14.jag.af.mil”.  

The names, and votes of the members of the Board are recorded on the original of this document and may be obtained from the service records by writing to:

		Naval Council of Personnel Boards
		Attn:  Naval Discharge Review Board
		720 Kennon Street SE Rm 309
		Washington Navy Yard DC  20374-5023