Search Decisions

Decision Text

NAVY | DRB | 1999_Navy | ND99-01207
Original file (ND99-01207.rtf) Auto-classification: Denied


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

ex-FA, USNR
Docket No. ND99-01207

Applicant’s Request
The application for discharge review, received 990908, requested that the characterization of service on the discharge be changed to honorable. The applicant requested a documentary record discharge review. The applicant did not designate a representative on the DD Form 293.

Decision

A documentary discharge review was conducted in Washington, D.C. on 000512. After a thorough review of the records, supporting documents, facts, and circumstances unique to this case, NDRB discerned no impropriety or inequity in the characterization of the applicant’s service. The Board’s vote was unanimous that the character of the discharge shall not change. The discharge shall remain: GENERAL (UNDER HONORABLE CONDITIONS)/PERSONALITY DISORDER, authority: NAVMILPERSMAN, Article 3620225.

The NDRB did note an administrative error on the original DD Form 214. Block 24, Character of Service, should read: “GENERAL (UNDER HONORABLE CONDITIONS)” vice “GENERAL” and Block 28, Narrative Reason for Separation, should read: "PERSONALITY DISORDER" vice "PERSONALITY DISORDER, NOT AMOUNTING TO A DISABILITY, BUT WHICH POTENTIALLY INTERFERES WITH ASSIGNMENTS OR PERFORMANCE OF DUTY". The original DD Form 214 should be corrected or reissued as appropriate.


PART I - APPLICANT’S ISSUES AND DOCUMENTATION

Issues

 Prior to the documentary discharge review, the applicant introduced no issues as block 8 on the DD Form 293 is blank.

Documentation
In addition to the service record, the following additional documentation, submitted by the applicant, was considered:
Copy of DD Form 214 (2 copies)

PART II - SUMMARY OF SERVICE

 Prior Service (component, dates of service, type of discharge):
         Active: None
         Inactive: None

 Period of Service Under Review :
Date of Enlistment: 960314               Date of Discharge: 970919

 Length of Service (years, months, days):

         Active: 01 03 16
         Inactive: 00 02 20

 Age at Entry: 19                          Years Contracted: 8

 Education Level: 12                        AFQT: 66

 Highest Rate: FA (E-2)

 Final Enlisted Performance Evaluation Averages (number of marks):

 Performance: 3.0 (1)     Behavior: 2.0 (1)                 OTA: 2.67 (5.0 eval)

 Military Decorations: None

 Unit/Campaign/Service Awards: None

 Days of Unauthorized Absence: None

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

GENERAL (UNDER HONORABLE CONDITIONS)/PERSONALITY DISORDER, authority: NAVMILPERSMAN, Article 3620225.

 Chronological Listing of Significant Service Events :

[ADMIN DISCHARGE PACKAGE NOT CONTAINED IN SERVICE RECORD AND UNABLE TO OBTAIN FROM APPLICANT OR PREVIOUS COMMAND.]
960604:  Commenced 36 months of active duty under the Fireman Apprenticeship Training Program.
970724:  Mental Health Clinic, Pearl Harbor, HI: This was the 1 st mental health evaluation for this 20 year old, single, Caucasian male, FA/AD/USN with 1 year 1 month continuous active duty service, assigned to USS REUBEN JAMES (FFG-57). The pt was referred by Chaplain W_ for eval of stress, depressive symptoms, and suicidal ideations. Chief complaint - "Thoughts of suicide due to stress of being underway all the time."
         HISTORY OF PRESENT ILLNESS: Pt presented with a chronic pattern of personality defects characterized by marked impulsivity, affective instability, recurrent suicidal ideation, identity disturbance, chronic feelings of emptiness, low frustration tolerance, and low self-esteem. He also had history of significant cannabis abuse, recurrent depressive episodes (treatment interrupted by an out of state move), and instability of employment/education prior to enlistment . He acknowledged knowingly falsifying information (i.e., drug use, psychiatric history) on enlistment documents. Contrary to his expectations, the pt has found military life to be extremely stressful and intolerable. He complained that he did not like having to observe the numerous rules of the military, did not like the regimented lifestyle, the high level of stress, and did not like going out to sea. Some of stress has been experienced in form of frequent tension headaches. He also reported an increase in suicidal ideation, which progressed to contemplating death by overdose or by shooting himself. He met with navy chaplain on few occasions and was ultimately referred for mental health eval.
         DIAGNOSIS : AXIS I: Occupational Problem, Prior History of Cannabis Abuse; AXIS II: Borderline Personality Disorder (Principal Diagnosis); AXIS III: No known contributory illnesses; AXIS IV: military life; AXIS V: current GAF: 50
         CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATION : 1 - Service member is not mentally ill, but manifests a longstanding disorder or character and behavior, which is of such severity that it renders this individual incapable of serving adequately in the Navy. Service member does not require nor will benefit from psychiatric hospitalization. Short-term mental health treatment for his condition is of limited benefit, and long-term treatment is not available within the military. Although not considered at imminent risk for suicide or homicide currently, this service member is judged to represent a continuing danger to self or others if retained in the Navy. This member is deemed fit for return to duty for immediate processing for Administrative Separation, which should be initiated expeditiously, in compliance with NAVMILPERSMAN 3620225. This is not a condition which would require a medical board of further evaluation prior to disposition.
         2 - There is a notable discrepancy between the service member's verbal account and information provided on his enlistment documents. He acknowledged falsifying information on those documents, and his clinical presentation is clearly consistent with his interview statements. If this service member's command sow wishes, the service member may be processed for admin discharge due to FRAUDULENT ENLISTMENT.
         3- Follow up psychotherapy is not indicated, however, the pt may return to clinic as needed. Pt is expected to continue seeking support from Chaplain W_ pending discharge. 4 - Pt has been advised of these findings, understands and agrees to comply.

PART III – RATIONALE FOR DECISION AND PERTINENT REGULATION/LAW

Discussion

The applicant was discharged on 970919 general (under honorable conditions) for convenience of the government on the basis of a diagnosed personality disorder of such severity as to render the applicant incapable of serving adequately in the naval service. (A). The Board presumed regularity in the conduct of governmental affairs (B). 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 (C and D).

The applicant introduced no decisional issues for consideration by the Board.

 Pertinent Regulation/Law (at time of discharge)

 A. Naval Military Personnel Manual, (NAVPERS 15560C), Change 14, effective
03 Oct 1996 until 11 Dec 97, Article 3620225, SEPARATION OF ENLISTED PERSONNEL BY REASON OF CONVENIENCE OF THE GOVERNMENT - PERSONALITY DISORDER.

B. 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.

C. 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.

D. 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 obtain a copy of DoD Directive 1332.28 by writing to:
                  DA Military Review Boards Agency
                  Management Information and Support Directorate
                  Armed Forces Reading Room
                  Washington, D.C. 20310-1809

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
                  Washington Navy Yard
                  720 Kennon St SE Rm 309
                  Washington, D.C. 20374-5023     


Similar Decisions

  • NAVY | DRB | 1999_Navy | ND99-01207 (3)

    Original file (ND99-01207 (3).rtf) Auto-classification: Denied

    The applicant did not designate a representative on the DD Form 293. The pt was referred by Chaplain W_ for eval of stress, depressive symptoms, and suicidal ideations. PART III – RATIONALE FOR DECISION AND PERTINENT REGULATION/LAW Discussion The applicant was discharged on 970919 general (under honorable conditions) for convenience of the government on the basis of a diagnosed personality disorder of such severity as to render the applicant incapable of serving adequately in the naval service.

  • NAVY | DRB | 2003_Navy | n0300386

    Original file (n0300386.rtf) Auto-classification: Denied

    ND03-00386 Applicant’s Request The application for discharge review was received on 20030107. This recommendation requires counseling & documentation that the personality disorder interferes with the performance of duty. [PARTIAL DISCHARGE PACKAGE MISSING] PART III – RATIONALE FOR DECISION AND PERTINENT REGULATION/LAW Discussion The Applicant was discharged on 19921223 under honorable conditions (general) for convenience of the government on the basis of a diagnosed personality disorder of...

  • NAVY | DRB | 1999_Navy | ND99-01156

    Original file (ND99-01156.rtf) Auto-classification: Denied

    No indication of appeal in the record.980209: Mental Health Dept, Naval Ambulatory Care Center, Groton, CT: CHIEF COMPLAINT: Pt reported to his command in January 198 that he was having suicidal thoughts and he was transferred TAD to Group 2 for further assessment. Recommendation made at that time that he continue aboard the USS OKLAHOMA CITY and further recommended that pt seek further mental health eval should his anxiety continue after the boat transferred to Norfolk. Additionally,...

  • NAVY | DRB | 2001_Navy | ND01-00083

    Original file (ND01-00083.rtf) Auto-classification: Denied

    ND01-00083 Applicant’s Request The application for discharge review, received 001020, requested that the characterization of service on the discharge be changed to honorable. Pt denied any suicidal/homicidal ideation or history of same. Naval Military Personnel Manual, (NAVPERS 15560C), Change 24, effective 20 May 99 until 26 March 2000, Article 1910-122 (formerly 3620225), Separation By Reason of Convenience of the Government - Personality Disorder(s) B.

  • NAVY | DRB | 2001_Navy | ND01-00706

    Original file (ND01-00706.rtf) Auto-classification: Denied

    Member deemed fit for return to duty for immediate processing for admin separation which should be initiated expeditiously by his Command.960624: Applicant notified of intended recommendation for discharge general (under honorable conditions) by reason of convenience of the government on the basis of a diagnosed personality disorder of such severity as to render the applicant incapable of serving adequately in the naval service as evidenced by psychiatric evaluation on 15 May...

  • NAVY | DRB | 1999_Navy | ND99-01174

    Original file (ND99-01174.rtf) Auto-classification: Denied

    ND99-01174 Applicant’s Request The application for discharge review, received 990903, requested that the characterization of service on the discharge be changed to general/under honorable conditions. 980215: Mental Health Clinic, USS INDEPENDENCE: Pt, Pt's DivOff, Pt's LCPO and this provider met with pt in conference to clarify pt's short/long term goals. AXIS III: No known or reported medical conditions.

  • NAVY | DRB | 1999_Navy | ND99-00237

    Original file (ND99-00237.rtf) Auto-classification: Denied

    He states he sometimes feels his life is going no where. States no homicidal ideations, states suicidal ideations. After a thorough review of the records, supporting documents, facts, and circumstances unique to this case, the Board found that the discharge and reason for discharge was proper and equitable (C and D).The Board does not have the authority to change a discharge to a medical discharge as the applicant requests in issue 1.

  • NAVY | DRB | 2002_Navy | ND02-00326

    Original file (ND02-00326.rtf) Auto-classification: Denied

    PART I - APPLICANT’S ISSUES AND DOCUMENTATION I tried several times to get some time off so I could take care of these other problems but even after explaining my situation to my Division Chief, he told me the only thing that was important was the inspection and that I would just have to put my problems on hold until after the inspection was over. I had stopped the partying several years back and only had the occasional drink from time to time.

  • NAVY | DRB | 2001_Navy | ND01-00088

    Original file (ND01-00088.rtf) Auto-classification: Denied

    The reason given for discharge is inequitable because "personality disorder" is so broad that it can not be defined to specify what emotional and/or psychological behavior problem existed at the time of discharge. The reason for discharge without a defined medical explanation requires a factual determination that I will not be able to seek full time employment as a police officer. After a thorough review of the records, supporting documents, facts, and circumstances unique to this case,...

  • NAVY | DRB | 2001_Navy | ND01-00345

    Original file (ND01-00345.rtf) Auto-classification: Denied

    The applicant requested a documentary record discharge review. When questioned by his shipmates, Pt admits to being unhappy on the ship and wants off. PART III – RATIONALE FOR DECISION AND PERTINENT REGULATION/LAW Discussion The applicant was discharged on 961011 general (under honorable conditions) for convenience of the government on the basis of a diagnosed personality disorder of such severity as to render the applicant incapable of serving adequately in the naval service.