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Decision Text

ARMY | BCMR | CY1980-1989 | 8309721A
Original file (8309721A.rtf) Auto-classification: Denied
APPLICANT REQUESTS: Reconsideration of the denial of his application for correction of his military records wherein he requested that he be issued an honorable discharge.

APPLICANT STATES : That the Army misconstrued his lack of physical stamina and his disruptive reactions to acute or special stress as unsuitability when, in reality, he was suffering from sickle cell trait. He had been diagnosed as suffering from streptococcus when he collapsed after a hard workout. However, streptococcus exhibits the same symptoms as sickle cell trait, which accounts for the misdiagnosis.

NEW EVIDENCE AND/OR INFORMATION
: In support of his request the applicant submits a variety of newspaper clippings regarding sickle cell trait.

EVIDENCE OF RECORD
: The applicant’s military records were destroyed in the fire at the National Personnel Records Center in 1973. Alternate information was incorporated in the Memorandum of Consideration prepared during the original review of his case.

The Board denied the applicant’s original application in a Memorandum of Consideration (COPY ATTACHED) on 14 June 1984.

He entered on active duty in an enlisted status on 27 September 1957 and was issued a General Discharge Certificate for unsuitability, lack of physical stamina and disruptive reactions to stress, on 4 April 1958 under the provisions of Army Regulation 635-209, then in effect.

In the processing of the applicant’s original request, an advisory opinion was obtained from the Office of The Surgeon General (OTSG). The OTSG stated that the applicant was diagnosed after his discharge as having sickle cell trait, not sickle cell anemia. Sickle cell trait does not limit physical activity and is not medically disqualifying. The OTSG recommended, in effect, that the applicant’s request be disapproved.

In the processing of the applicant’s current request, an advisory opinion (COPY ATTACHED) was obtained from Army Review Board Agency (ARBA) Medical Advisor. The ARBA Medical Advisor confirms the OTSG’s assessment and also recommends, in effect, disapproval of the applicant’s request.

DISCUSSION
: Considering all the evidence, allegations, and information presented by the applicant, together with the evidence of record, applicable law and regulations, and advisory opinions, it is concluded:

1. The applicant has not submitted any documentation which would show that his lack of physical stamina and his disruptive reactions to stress, the reasons for his discharge for unsuitability, were due to a medical condition.

2. He continues to maintain that a person who has sickle cell trait suffers from the same limitations as a person who has sickle cell anemia. Two medical reviews of his case have confirmed that his contention is not true.

3. In view of the foregoing, there is no basis for granting the applicant’s request.

DETERMINATION : The applicant has failed to submit sufficient relevant evidence to demonstrate the existence of probable error or injustice.

BOARD VOTE :

GRANT

GRANT FORMAL HEARING

DENY APPLICATION




                                                      Karl F. Schneider
                                                      Acting Director

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