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NAVY | DRB | 2008_Navy | ND0800382
Original file (ND0800382.rtf) Auto-classification: Denied
ex-AR, USN
Current Discharge and Applicant’s Request
Application Received: 20080111
Characterization of Service Received:
Narrative Reason for Discharge:
Authority for Discharge: MILPERSMAN

Applicant’s Request: Characterization change to:
                  Narrative Reason change to: N/A

Summary of Service

 Prior Service:
 Inactive: US N R (DEP) 20030613 - 20030625 (positive urinalysis - marijuana)               Active:
                  20030808 – 20030813

Period of Service Under Review:
 Date of Enlistment: 20030814     Period of enlistment : Years Extension         Date of Discharge: 20041110
Length of Service : Y ea r M onths 27 D a ys       Education Level:        Age at Enlistment:       AFQT: 41
Highest Rank /Rate : AA     Evaluation marks: Performance: NFIR       Behavior: NFIR    OTA: NFIR
Awards and Decorations ( per DD 214): Rifle Pistol

Periods of UA /C ONF :

NJP :
         20041109 : Art icle 121 ( S tealing 2 packs of cigarettes from the NEX).
Awarded : Susp ended:
        
         20040727 : Art icle 92 ( U nderage drinking) .
Awarded : Susp ended:

Retention Warnings:
         20040730 : For violation Art 92, underage drinking .

Types of Documents Submitted

 Related to Military Service: DD 214:     Service and/or Medical Record:                   Other Records:

Related to Post-Service Period:  
         Employment:                        Finances:                          Education /Training :     
         Health/Medical Records:           Substance Abuse:                           Criminal Records:       
         Family/Personal Status:           Community Service:                References:              
Additional Statements From Applicant:             From Representat ion :              From Member of Congress:

Other Documentation (Describe) :
                  - Social Security Administration notification of representative payee for monthly checks

NDRB DOCUMENTARY REVIEW

 Conducted:        20060406
 Docket Number:   ND05-01251
 Findings:        Proper and equitable, no change warranted.




NDRB PERSONAL APPEARANCE HEARING

Applicant Testified: Yes
Applicant Available for Questions: Yes
 Observer: Mr. M ., American Legion
Witnesses: M s. S. ( mother ), Mr. S. ( stepfather ), Mr. H. (friend)

Pertinent Regulation/Law

 A. Naval Military Personnel Manual, (NAVPERS 15560C), re-issued October 2002, effective 22 Aug 2002 until 25 April 2005, Article 1910-140 (formerly 3630600), SEPARATION BY REASON OF MISCONDUCT - PATTERN OF MISCONDUCT.

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 .

C. The Manual for Courts-Martial authorizes the award of a punitive discharge if adjudged as part of the sentence upon conviction by a special or general court-martial for violation of the UCMJ, Article 92 (failure to obey orders) and 121 ( Larceny ) .



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

Applicant’s Issues

 1. Characterization harsh in light of in-service mental health issue and relatively minor nature of misconduct.
2. Post-service conduct.

Decision

Date: 20 08 1015             Location: Washington D.C         R epresentation :

By a vote of the Characterization shall .
By a vote of the Narrative Reason shall MISCONDUCT .
Discussion

 : ( ) . The Applicant contends his characterization of discharge was harsh in light of his documented in-service mental problems and relatively minor nature of misconduct. In revie wing discharges, the Board presumes regularity in the conduct of Government affairs unless there is substantial credible evidence to rebut the presumption, to include evidence submitted by the Applicant. The Applicant’s record of service was marred by two NJP’s f or violation s of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ): Article 121 ( S tealing from the Navy Exchange) and Article 92 ( U nderage drinking). While a violation of Article 121 could have resulted in a punitive discharge and confinement if adjudicated and awarded as part of a sentence by a special or general court martial, the command did not pursue a punitive discharge and opted instead for an administrative discharge.

After a thorough review of the available evidence, to include the Applicant’s Summary of Service, Medical and Service Record, Discharge Process , the Board’s previous documentary review ( D ocket N umber ND05-01251 conducted on 6 April 2006 ) , e vidence submitted by the Applicant, statements by the witnesses and Applicant, the Board found the discharge was proper but not equitable based on the harshness of the characterization with respect to the minor offense committed . Accordingly, the Board determined an upgrade would be appropriate.

The Applicant should be aware that he may submit a request for disability retirement t hrough the Board of Correction o f Naval Records , 2 Navy Annex, Washington, DC 20370-5100 for further review.


ADDENDUM: Information for the Applicant

 Complaint Procedures : 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 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 : Subsequent to a document review, former members are eligible for a personal appearance hearing, provided the application is received at the NDRB within 15 years from the 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. If a former member has been discharged for more than 15 years, has already been granted a personal appearance hearing or has otherwise exhausted his opportunities before the NDRB, the Applicant may petition the Board for Correction of Naval Records (BCNR), 2 Navy Annex, Washington, DC 20370-5100 for further review.

 Service Benefits: 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.
Employment/Educational Opportunities : 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 of the propriety and equity of the discharge.

Reenlistment/RE-code: Since the NDRB has no jurisdiction over reenlistment, reentry, or reinstatement into the Navy, Marine Corps, or any other of the Armed Forces, the NDRB is not authorized to change a reenlistment code. Only the Board for Correction of Naval Records (BCNR) can make changes to reenlistment codes. Additionally, the Board 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 subsequently is processed for an administrative involuntary separation for misconduct, the disability evaluation is suspended. The Physical Evaluation Board case remains in suspense pending the outcome of the non-disability proceedings. If the action includes either a punitive or administrative discharge for misconduct, 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 “PTSD.” Only the Board for Correction of Naval Records can grant this type of narrative reason change.

Automatic Upgrades - There is no law or regulation, which provides that an unfavorable discharge may be upgraded based solely on the passage of time or good conduct in civilian life subsequent to leaving Naval service. The NDRB is authorized to consider post-service factors in the recharacterization of a discharge 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. Examples of documentation that may be provided to the Board include proof of educational pursuits, verifiable employment records, documentation of community service, credible evidence of a substance free lifestyle and certification of non-involvement with civil authorities.

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 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.

Board Membership: 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:

 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

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