Title: DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
Author: CAP
Last saved by: Sanabria, Armando M CIV SECNAVCORB, CORB
Company: NCPB

Docket No. MD15-00681

ex-LCpl, USMC

Current Discharge and Applicant’s Request

Application Received:  20150210
Characterization of Service Received:  (per DD 214) UNDER OTHER THAN HONORABLE CONDITIONS
Narrative Reason for Discharge:  (per DD 214) MISCONDUCT
Reenlistment Code:  RE-4
Authority for Discharge:  (per DD 214) MARCORSEPMAN 6210.3 [PATTERN OF MISCONDUCT]

Applicant’s Request:	Characterization change to: HONORABLE OR GENERAL (UNDER HONORABLE CONDITIONS)
	Narrative Reason change to: NONE REQUESTED

Summary of Service

Prior Service:
Inactive:	USMCR (DEP)	20050224 - 20050731  COG	Active:	NONE

Period of Service Under Review:
Date of Current Enlistment:  20050801	Age at Enlistment:  18
Period of Enlistment:  5 Years  0 Months
Date of Discharge:  20100225	Highest Rank:  CORPORAL
Length of Service:  04  Year(s)  06  Month(s)  25  Day(s)
Education Level:  12	AFQT:  67
MOS:  5811
Proficiency/Conduct Marks (# of occasions):  4.5 (13) / 4.4 (13)	Fitness Reports:  NOT APPLICABLE

Awards and Decorations (per DD 214):	Rifle EX Pistol EX GCM SSDR ICM GWOTSM NDSM NUC CoC

Periods of CONF:  NONE

NJP:  1

- 20090729:	Article 86 (Absence without leave) 2 specifications
	Article 92 (Failure to obey order or regulation) 2 specifications
	Awarded: RIR RESTR FOP  Suspended:  FOP

SCM:  NONE	SPCM:  NONE	CC:  NONE

Retention Warning Counseling:  3

- 20071213:	For failure to properly follow instructions.

- 20090730:	For violation of Article 86 and Article 92.

- 20091023:	For multiple alcohol related incidents and subsequent conviction of two counts of Driving Under the Influence (DUI).

Types of Documents Submitted/reviewed

Related to Military Service:
	DD 214:	☒	Service/Medical Record:	☒	Other Records:	☐

Related to Post-Service Period:
	Employment:	☐	Finances:	☐	Education/Training:	☐
	Health/Medical Records:	☐	Rehabilitation/Treatment:	☐	Criminal Records:	☐
	Personal Documentation:	☐	Community Service:	☐	References:	☐
	Department of VA letter:	☐	Other Documentation:	☐
		Additional Statements:
	From Applicant:	☐	From/To Representation:	☐	From/To Congress member:	☐

Pertinent Regulation/Law

A.  Paragraph 6210, MISCONDUCT, of the Marine Corps Separation and Retirement Manual, (MCO P1900.16F), effective 1 September 2001 until Present. 

B.  Secretary of the Navy Instruction 5420.174D of 22 December 2004, Naval Discharge Review Board (NDRB) Procedures and Standards, Part II, Para 211, Regularity of Government Affairs, Part V, Para 502, Propriety and Para 503, Equity.

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

Applicant’s Issues

1.	The Applicant wants treatment by Veterans Affairs (VA) for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
2.	The Applicant contends that PTSD from his combat deployment to Iraq was the underlying cause for his pattern of misconduct, and discharge.

Decision

Date:  20150521	DOCUMENTARY REVIEW	Location: Washington D.C.	 Representation: NONE

By a vote of 5-0 the Characterization shall remain UNDER OTHER THAN HONORABLE CONDITIONS.
By a vote of 5-0 the Narrative Reason shall remain MISCONDUCT.

Discussion

The NDRB, under its responsibility to examine the propriety and equity of an Applicant’s discharge, is authorized to change the character of service and the reason for discharge if such change is warranted.  In reviewing discharges, the Board presumes regularity in the conduct of governmental affairs unless there is substantial credible evidence to rebut the presumption, to include evidence submitted by the Applicant.  The Board did complete a thorough review of the circumstances that led to his discharge and the discharge process to ensure his discharge met the pertinent standards of equity and propriety.]  The Applicant’s record of service included three 6105 counseling warnings; one nonjudicial punishment (NJP) for violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ):  Article 86 (Absence without leave; 2 specifications), and Article 92 (Failure to obey order or regulation; 2 specifications); and two civilian convictions for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol (DUI).  Based on the offense(s) committed by the Applicant, his command administratively processed him for separation.  When notified of administrative separation processing using the administrative board procedure, the Applicant exercised his rights to consult with a qualified counsel, submit a written statement, and request an administrative board.  On 15 January 2010, an Administrative Separation Board convened and determined by unanimous vote (3-0) that a preponderance of evidence proved the Applicant’s Pattern of Misconduct, and that the Applicant should be discharged from the Marine Corps with an Under Other Than Honorable Conditions discharge.  

The Applicant stated that he has PTSD related to his combat service in Iraq.  The Applicant’s service record documents completion of a deployment in Iraq from February until September 2008, conducting combat service support operations in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.  As a result of the Applicant’s claim of PTSD or TBI, in accordance with U.S. Code, Title X, Section 1553 (d)(1), the Naval Discharge Review Board included a member who is a physician, clinical psychologist, or psychiatrist.  In accordance with section 1553 (d)(2), the service secretary expedited a final decision and accorded the case sufficient priority to achieve an expedited resolution.

Issue 1:  (Nondecisional) The Applicant wants treatment by Veterans Affairs (VA) for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).  The NDRB noted that the Applicant’s DD Form 293 (issues statement) included the Applicant’s request for an upgrade to access mental health care treatment through the VA due to PTSD.  The NDRB cannot grant a change based solely on this issue; however, the Applicant should be aware that the VA has announced special VA enrollment access for PTSD and mental health treatment to combat veterans discharged under other than dishonorable conditions.  Effective Jan. 28, 2008, combat veterans discharged from active duty on or after Jan. 28, 2003 are eligible for combat veteran enhanced eligibility and enrollment placement into Priority Group 6 (unless eligible for higher enrollment Priority Group placement) for 5 years post discharge.  Additionally, the VA determines the eligibility for enrollment in its programs - independent of the Applicant’s characterization of service as determined by the Marine Corps.  The Applicant, as a combat veteran, is encouraged to contact his local VA affairs representative for more information and may request a review of service and determination of benefits from the VA.  Alternately, he may call 1-877-222-8387 or visit the following website for more information: http://www4.va.gov/healtheligibility/Library/pubs/CombatVet/CombatVet.pdf.

Issue 2:  (Decisional) (Equity)  RELIEF NOT WARRANTED.  The Applicant contends that PTSD from his combat deployment to Iraq was the underlying cause for his pattern of misconduct, and discharge.  The Applicant’s record does not show that he was diagnosed with PTSD, and the Applicant provided no evidence of a diagnosis of PTSD, or treatment for PTSD.  Though the Applicant may feel that PTSD was the underlying cause of his misconduct, the record reflects willful misconduct that demonstrated he was unfit for further service.  The evidence of record did not show that PTSD was a sufficient mitigating factor to excuse the Applicant’s conduct or accountability concerning his actions.  Prior to the Applicant’s discharge, he was able to present his case to an Administrative Separation Board and argue for retention in the Marine Corps, or for mitigation in the characterization of his service discharge.  However, the Board voted unanimously for administrative separation and for Under Other Than Honorable Conditions discharge.  After an exhaustive review, the NDRB determined that PTSD did not mitigate the Applicant’s misconduct.  Relief denied.

Summary:  After a thorough review of the available evidence, to include the Applicant’s summary of service, service record entries, and discharge process, the Board found the discharge was proper and equitable.  Therefore, the awarded characterization of service shall remain UNDER OTHER THAN HONORABLE CONDITIONS and the narrative reason for separation shall remain MISCONDUCT.

The Applicant remains eligible for a personal appearance hearing for a period of fifteen years from the date of his discharge.  The Applicant is directed to the Addendum for additional information.

ADDENDUM:  Information for the Applicant

Complaint Procedures:  If you believe 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 Instruction 1332.28, you may submit a complaint in accordance with Enclosure (5) of that Instruction to the Joint Service Review Activity, OUSD (P&R) PI-LP, The Pentagon, Washington, DC  20301-4000.  You should read Enclosure (5) of the Instruction 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 Instruction 1332.28 and other Decisional Documents by going online at “http://Boards.law.af.mil.”

Additional Reviews:  After a document review has been conducted, former members are eligible for a personal appearance hearing, provided the application is received at the NDRB within 15 years of the Applicant’s date of discharge.  The Applicant can provide documentation to support any claims of post-service accomplishments or any additional evidence related to this discharge.  Representation at a personal appearance hearing is recommended but not required.  There are veterans organizations such as the American Legion and the Disabled American Veterans that are willing to provide guidance to former service members in their efforts to obtain a discharge upgrade.  If a former member has been discharged for more than 15 years, has already been granted a personal appearance hearing or has otherwise exhausted their opportunities before the NDRB, the Applicant may petition the Board for Correction of Naval Records (BCNR), 701 South Courthouse Road, Suite 1001, Arlington, VA 22204-2490 for further review.

Service Benefits:  The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) determines eligibility for post-service benefits, not the NDRB.  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.

Employment/Educational Opportunities:  The NDRB has no authority to upgrade a discharge for the sole purpose of enhancing employment or educational opportunities.  Regulations limit the NDRB’s review to a determination of the propriety and equity of the discharge.

Reenlistment/RE-code:  Effective 6 February 2015, the NDRB is authorized to change a NDRB Applicant’s Reenlistment Code if related to an accompanying change in discharge characterization or narrative, but this authority is strictly limited to those cases where an applicant’s narrative reason or characterization of discharge is changed and that change warrants revision of the previously issued reenlistment code.  Additionally, the NDRB has no authority to upgrade a discharge for the sole purpose of enhancing reenlistment opportunities.  An unfavorable “RE-CODE” is, in itself, not a bar to reenlistment.  A request for a waiver can be submitted during the processing of a formal application for reenlistment through a recruiter.

Medical Conditions and Misconduct:  DoD disability regulations do not preclude a disciplinary separation.  Appropriate regulations stipulate that separations for misconduct take precedence over potential separations for other reasons.  Whenever a member is being processed through the Physical Evaluation Board, and is processed subsequently for an administrative involuntary separation or is referred to a court martial for misconduct, the disability evaluation is suspended pending the outcome of the non-disability proceedings.  If the action includes either a punitive or administrative discharge for misconduct or for any basis wherein an Other Than Honorable discharge is authorized, the medical board report is filed in the member’s terminated health record.  Additionally, the NDRB does not have the authority to change a narrative reason for separation to one indicating a medical disability or other medical related reasons.  Only the BCNR can grant this type of narrative reason change.

Automatic Upgrades - There is no law or regulation that provides for an unfavorable discharge to be upgraded based solely on the passage of time or good conduct subsequent to leaving naval service.

Post-Service Conduct:  The NDRB is authorized to consider post-service factors in the recharacterization of a discharge.  Outstanding post-service conduct, to the extent such matters provide a basis for a more thorough understanding of the Applicant’s performance and conduct during the period of service under review, is considered during Board reviews.  Documentation to support a post-service conduct upgrade includes, but is not limited to: a verifiable continuous employment record; marriage and children’s birth certificates (if applicable); character witness statements; documentation of community or church service; certification of non-involvement with civil authorities; evidence of financial stability or letters of good standing from banks, credit card companies, or other financial institutions; attendance at or completion of higher education (official transcripts); and documentation of a drug-free lifestyle.   The Applicant is advised that completion of these items alone does not guarantee the upgrade of an unfavorable discharge, as each discharge is reviewed by the Board on a case-by-case basis to determine if post-service accomplishments help demonstrate  in-service misconduct was an aberration and not indicative of the member’s overall character.

Issues Concerning Bad-Conduct Discharges (BCD): Because relevant and material facts stated in a court-martial specification are presumed by the NDRB to be established facts, issues relating to the Applicant’s innocence of charges for which he was found guilty cannot form a basis for relief.  With respect to a discharge adjudged by a special court-martial, the action of the NDRB is restricted to upgrades based on clemency.  Clemency is an act of leniency that reduces the severity of the punishment imposed.  The NDRB does not have the jurisdictional authority to review a discharge or dismissal resulting from a general court-martial.

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

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

Key:	NFIR - Not found in record 	RESTR - Restriction	NJP - Nonjudicial punishment	SCM - Summary court-martial
	SPCM - Special court-martial	FOP - Forfeiture of pay	RIR - Reduction in rank	EPD - Extra duties
	CONF - Confinement	CC - Civilian conviction	CCU - Correctional Custody Unit	CBW - Confinement on bread and water

Key:	NFIR - Not Found In Record 	UA – Unauthorized absence	NJP – Nonjudicial punishment	SCM – Summary court-martial	
	SPCM – Special court-martial	FOP – Forfeiture of pay	RIR – Reduction in rank	EPD – Extra Duties 
	CONF – Confinement		B&W – Confinement on bread and water