THE AIR FORCE DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD IS LOOKING AT PTSD DISCHARGES
Enrolling in the military, no matter which branch, means the dynamic of being a part of a workplace will come into play. This is particularly important when you consider compensation and benefits. The Air Force Discharge Review Board (AFDRB) is an organization that is in charge of looking at various decisions involving discharges from the service. AFDRB decisions can have a major impact on post-military status, and in turn, eligibility for benefits. Many Airmen, Air Reservists, Air Guardsmen, and Guardians are getting a new life in light of the nationwide class-action lawsuit against the AFDRB. Related read: PTSD Awareness: How to Break Through the Silence & Stigma
The Air Force Discharge Review Board is Reviewing Thousands of Cases
The lawsuit of Johnson v. Kendall would bring the Air Force Discharge Review Board directly to center stage. Now, thousands of Air Force Veterans are going to automatically have their separations from service reviewed as part of the settlement. There are many cases dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI) getting a second look. This would include trauma from combat, training, and even sexual assault/harassment. The lawsuit is finalizing in December 2023. At this point, the Air Force Discharge Review Board will be automatically looking at decisions that weren’t honorable between September 13, 2015 and the date the suit ends for review. Not only will these include reviewing U.S. Space Force cases, but additional decisions may also be added in the future. The settlement is also planning to get an extension for those discharged from September 13, 2006, until September 12, 2015. Those with a less than honorable discharge will not receive an upgrade, such as for bad conduct. However, those facing general discharges, or other-than-honorable discharges linked to PTSD or TBI, can receive upgrades. Not only does this affect benefits, but it can also affect employment. Transitioning back into civilian life is hard enough for Veterans, and finding a place to work can be challenging. This is especially true for dishonorable discharge. Furthermore, many employers are hesitant to take on ex-military personnel with such separations. There are no guarantees that anyone will receive an upgrade. However, the Air Force Discharge Review Board will look at each case individually. This could impact thousands of Veterans as the process is ongoing. Veterans looking for up-to-date information regarding the case are encouraged to visit www.JohnsonAirForceSettlement.com.
Can You Be Discharged From the Military for PTSD?
Yes, a PTSD discharge from the military can occur, but you can’t apply for it yourself. If a military doctor decides that the psychological symptoms you are displaying are severe enough to hinder your performance, you will be impacted. The criteria of who may apply for a PTSD military discharge in the USAF is laid out by the Air Force Review Boards Agency (AFRBA). However, you’ll apply directly to the Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records (AFBCMR) for proper review. Suggested read: Don't Ask Don't Tell Policy: 2,000 Discharges Under Review
How to Contact the Air Force Discharge Review Board
The AFDRB phone number is not online; however, you can contact them through the mail at SAF/MRB (DRB) 3351 Celmers Lane, Joint Base Andrews, MD 20762-6435. They are creating a number as a result of the lawsuit. Currently, this address is for sending an application to review the terms of your discharge and is not a general contact address. Read next: Exploring Viable Treatments for PTSD in Veterans