The Secretary of the Navy has announced a new administrative separation
policy for Sailors and Marines with PTSD and TBI. In the past, misconduct
often took precedence over mental health conditions.
Previously a service member's misconduct took precedence over diagnosed
mental health conditions when considering separation, which impacted the
veteran's ability to receive benefits. Now, if it contributed to the
misconduct, the medical condition will take precedence.
Under the new policy, Sailors and Marines facing involuntary administrative
separation may be referred to the Disability Evaluation System if they
have a diagnosed mental health condition.
Additionally, if the Sailor or Marine is being administratively processed
under provisions that authorize a characterization of service of other
than honorable, the case must be referred to the first general officer/flag
officer in the chain of command for a final determination. Any service
member previously separated under similar circumstances may also petition
to have their discharge reviewed through either the discharge review board
or Board for Correction of Naval Records (BCNR).
