DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY 
BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF NAVAL RECORDS 
701 S. COURTHOUSE ROAD, SUITE 1001 
ARLINGTON, VA 22204-2490 
            
Docket No:  2155-20             
Ref: Signature date 

This is in reference to your application of 27 February 2020 for correction of your naval record pursuant to Title 10, United States Code, Section 1552.  After careful and conscientious consideration of the entire record, the Board for Correction of Naval Records (Board) found that the evidence submitted was insufficient to establish the existence of probable material error or injustice.  Consequently, your application has been denied. 

Although your application was not filed in a timely manner, the Board found it in the interest of justice to waive the statute of limitations and consider your application on its merits.  A three-member panel of the Board, sitting in executive session, considered your application on 14 April 2020.  The names and votes of the members of the panel will be furnished upon request.  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, relevant portions of your naval record, and applicable statutes, regulations, and policies. 

You enlisted in the Navy and began a period of active service on 9 June 2004.  On 7 November 2005, you received non-judicial punishment (NJP) for wrongful use of drugs.  Subsequently, an administrative action to separate you from the naval service was initiated for misconduct- drug abuse.  On 9 November 2005, you waived both your right to consult with counsel and your right to present your case to an administrative discharge board.  After being afforded all of your procedural rights, your case was forwarded to the separation authority for review.  On 21 November 2005, your Commanding Officer (CO) recommended that you receive an other than honorable (OTH) characterization of service.  On 22 November 2005, the separation authority concurred with your CO’s recommendation and directed that you be separated with an OTH discharge.  On 23 November 2005, you were so discharged. 

The Board carefully weighed all potentially mitigating factors in your case, including your desire to upgrade your discharge and assertions that you have a disability, you are a slow learner, and need special attention.  The Board also noted your assertion that life is hard because you have an OTH characterization of service.  Finally, the Board noted your assertions that you need benefits in housing and job placement.  The Board concluded these factors were not sufficient to warrant a change to your discharge given your misconduct, which resulted in NJP for drug abuse.  The Board concluded that your current characterization does not reflect an error or injustice that merits corrective action. 

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 the submission of new matters, which will require you to complete and submit a new DD Form 149.  New matters are those not previously presented to or 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, 

5/5/2020