Docket No: 2525-20 
Ref: Signature date 
 
From:  Chairman, Board for Correction of Naval Records 
To:    Secretary of the Navy   
 
Subj:     

Ref:  (a) 10 U.S.C. §1552 
            
Encl:  (1)  DD Form 149 
       (2)  Subject's naval record (excerpts) 
 
1.  Pursuant to the provisions of reference (a), Petitioner, filed enclosure (1) with this Board requesting that the narrative reason for discharge of personality disorder be changed to a “normal one” on his Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214).  Enclosures (1) and (2) apply. 
 
2.  The Board, consisting of                  reviewed Petitioner's allegations of error and injustice on 2 June 2020, and pursuant to its regulations, determined that the corrective action indicated below should be taken on the available evidence of record.  Documentary material considered by the Board consisted of the enclosures, relevant portions of his naval records, applicable statutes, regulations, and policies.   
 
3.  The Board, having reviewed all the facts of record pertaining to Petitioner's allegations of error and injustice finds as follows: 
 
     a.  Before applying to this Board, Petitioner exhausted all administrative remedies available under existing law and regulations within the Department of the Navy. 
 
     b.  Although enclosure (1) was not filed in a timely manner, it is in the interest of justice to review the application on its merits.   
   
     c.  Petitioner enlisted in the Navy and began a period of active service on 8 January 1992.  On 7 September 1995, he was diagnosed with a personality disorder, not otherwise specified and an adjustment disorder with depressed mood as a result of two emergency psychiatric evaluations due to acute suicidal and homicidal thoughts.  Subsequently, on 11 September 1995, he was notified of proposed administrative separation processing by reason of convenience of the government due to a diagnosed personality disorder.  The least favorable characterization of service authorized was general (under honorable conditions).  On 21 September 1995, Petitioner was discharged with an honorable character of service and personality disorder as the narrative reason for separation.    
 
     d.  Petitioner contends that the current narrative reason of separation of personality disorder is an injustice as it does not represent his honorable service.  Additionally, Petitioner contends that prior to his discharge, he was faced with the death of two immediate family members and was denied leave for both.  He had a hard time dealing with the situation and went to the base chaplain who in turn sent him to a counselor.    
 
CONCLUSION 
 
Upon review and consideration of all the evidence of record, the Board concludes that Petitioner’s request warrants relief.  The Board determined that although Petitioner was properly discharged because of the in-service personality disorder diagnosis, the potential for future negative implications of his narrative reason for separation is an injustice and should be corrected.   
 
Additionally, the Board noted that normally a Correction to DD Form 214 (DD Form 215) would be issued to correct the record, however, the Board concluded a new and updated DD Form 214 is warranted to eliminate the possibility of invasive questions.   
 
In view of the foregoing, the Board finds the existence of an injustice warranting the following corrective action. 
  
RECOMMENDATION 
 
That Petitioner be issued a new DD Form 214 to indicate that on 21 September 1995, his characterization of service was honorable, his narrative reason for separation was secretarial authority, the separation code was JFF, and the separation authority was 3630900. 
 
That no further changes be made to Petitioner’s record. 
 
A copy of this Report of Proceedings be filed in Petitioner’s naval record. 
 
Upon request, the Department of Veterans Affairs be informed that Petitioner's application was received by the Board on 13 March 2020. 
 
4.  It is certified that a quorum was present at the Board’s review and deliberations, and that the foregoing is a true and complete record of the Board’s proceedings in the above entitled matter. 
 
5.  Pursuant to the delegation of authority set out in Section 6(e) of the revised Procedures of the Board for Correction of Naval Records (32 Code of Federal Regulation, Section 723.6(e)) and having assured compliance with its provisions, it is hereby announced that the foregoing corrective action, taken under the authority of reference (a), has been approved by the Board on behalf of the Secretary of the Navy.