DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF NAVAL RECORDS
				        2 NAVY ANNEX
WASHINGTON DC 20370-5100 

				TRG
	Docket No:11176-06 
	27 March 2008

This is in reference to your application for correction of your naval record pursuant to the provisions of title 10 of the United States Code section 1552.

A three-member panel of the Board for Correction of Naval Records, sitting in executive session, considered your application on 25 March 2008. Your allegations of error and injustice were reviewed in accordance with administrative regulations and procedures applicable to the proceedings of this Board. Documentary material considered by the Board consisted of your application, together with all material submitted in support thereof, your naval record and applicable statutes, regulations and policies.

After careful and conscientious consideration of the entire record, the Board found that the evidence submitted was insufficient to establish the existence of probable material error or injustice.

You enlisted in the Navy on 20 November 2002 at age 20. Apparently you began having difficulties and were referred for a psychiatric evaluation. At that time, you reported a history of behavioral problems while in school and taking medication for depression. After review, a clinical psychologist diagnosed you with a borderline personality disorder and recommended an entry level separation. On 13 December 2002 you were notified of separation processing by reason of erroneous enlistment. You did not object to separation and waived your procedural rights. After review the separation authority approved the recommendation for separation and you were so separated on 20 December 2002. At that time, you were not recommended for reenlistment and were assigned an RE-4 reenlistment code.

You contend in your application that your difficulties in recruit training occurred because you were denied medication for your hypothyroidism which caused side effects. Therefore, you believe that you have been improperly diagnosed with a personality disorder. In support of your contention you have submitted a report from a clinical psychologist. He found that you had a history of major depressive disorder which was in remission and a probable history of mood disorder due to hypothyroidism. He believed that the borderline personality disorder diagnosis was of questionable validity. The psychologist believed that a more appropriate diagnosis would have been a mood disorder due to hypothyroidism. You have also submitted character references that attest to the fact that you have been steadily employed with a good work record.

The Board was aware that symptoms of a personality disorder may only become manifest when an individual is under stress and you may not have been under stress when your psychologist reached his diagnosis. The Board concluded that whichever diagnosis is correct, it is clear that you were unsuitable for service and your enlistment was erroneous. Regulations require an entry level separation when the separation processing is begun within 180 days of enlistment as it was in your case. The Board concluded that you were properly separated by reason of erroneous enlistment and no change in the characterization of service and reason for discharge is warranted.

Regulations allow f or the assignment of an RE-4 reenlistment code when an individual is separated by reason of erroneous enlistment and such a code is normally assigned when an individual fails to complete recruit training.

Accordingly, your application has been denied. The names and votes of the members of the panel will be furnished upon request.

It is regretted that the circumstances of your case are such that favorable action cannot be taken. You are entitled to have the Board reconsider its decision upon submission of new and material evidence or other matter not previously considered by the Board. In this regard, it is important to keep in mind that a presumption of regularity attaches to all official records. Consequently, when applying for a correction of an official naval record, the burden is on the applicant to demonstrate the existence of probable material error or injustice.

 Sincerely,

W. DEAN PFEIFFER
  Executive Director