An adsep board determined a Marine SSGT did not commit drug abuse when he used his lawfully prescribed pain medication. The SSGT’s command NJP’d him after he tested positive on a command urinalysis for this pain medication. The command’s doctor had determined the SSGT had no “lawful” prescription for the medication, when in fact, it was proven at the board he did. Despite presenting the evidence to the command with the prescription label before the adsep board, the command refused to cancel the board. At the board, the members determined there was no drug abuse, and recommended the NJP be set aside. Ultimately, the NJP was overturned and the SSGT received all his backpay and allowances. A great win for the SSGT who had been suffered the stigma of “drug abuser” for a year.
