Hanna v. Secretary of the Army

On its facts, this is a close case. In the first instance the army could probably have turned down Hanna’s application without much risk of reversal; but the administrative proceedings, including the investigating officer’s initial decision, has weakened the army’s position. So the main concern is not with the outcome but with the possible effect of the panel majority’s legal rulings and analysis on future eases.

Hanna joined the army in 1997 under the Health Professional Scholarship Program, which funds an applicant’s medical education in exchange for a commitment to serve in the armed…