DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY 
BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF NAVAL RECORDS 
701 S. COURTHOUSE ROAD, SUITE 1001 
ARLINGTON, VA 22204-2490 

Docket No. 2874-20 
Ref: Signature Date 

From: Chairman, Board for Correction of Naval Records 
To: Secretary of the Navy 

Subj: REVIEW OF NAVAL RECORD ICO 

Ref: (a) Title 10 U.S.C. §1552 
(b) OPNAVINST 7220.17 
Encl: (1) DD Form 149 w/attachments 
      (2) BUMED memo 7220 Ser M1/20UM10034 of 17 Jul 20 
(3) Subject’s naval record 

1. Pursuant to the provisions of reference (a) Subject, hereinafter referred to as Petitioner, filed enclosure (1) with the Board for Correction of Naval Records (Board), requesting her naval record be corrected to stablish entitlement to the Health Professions Officer Incentive Pay (HPO IP). 

2. The Board, consisting of          reviewed Petitioner’s allegations of error and injustice on 20 April 2021 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 Petitioner’s naval record, and applicable statutes, regulations and policies. 

3. The Board, having reviewed all the facts of record pertaining to Petitioner's allegations of error and injustice, found that, before applying to this Board, she exhausted all administrative remedies available under existing law and regulations within the Department of the Navy. The Board made the following findings: 

a. In accordance with reference (b), the effective date for Incentive Special Pay must be calculated from the completion of the qualifying training plus 3-months. 

b. On 1 August 2014, Petitioner entered the Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship Program and appointed to Ensign in the United States Navy Reserve. 

c. On 18 May 2018, Petitioner awarded Doctor of Optometry from . 

d. On 30 May 2018, Petitioner was permanently appointed to Lieutenant/O-3. 

e. On 18 August 2018, Petitioner became eligible for HPO IP. 

f. In correspondence attached as enclosure (2), the office having cognizance over the subject matter addressed in Petitioner’s application has commented to the effect that the request has merit and warrants favorable action. 

CONCLUSION 

Upon review and consideration of all the evidence of record, and especially in light of the contents of enclosure (2), the Board finds the existence of an injustice warranting the following corrective action. Petitioner met the basic eligibility for HPO IP in accordance with reference (b). However, Petitioner failed to complete the requirements outlined in the policy because of improper counseling, thereby resulting in her inability to receive the incentive. 

RECOMMENDATION 

That Petitioner’s naval record be corrected, where appropriate, to show that:
 
Petitioner submitted the HPO IP request in a timely manner, in accordance with OPNAVINST 7220.17. Furthermore, the request was received and approved by cognizant authority. 

This change will entitle Petitioner to HPO IP, at the annual rate of $1,200 for the period of 18 August 2018 through 30 September 2019. A copy of this Report of Proceedings will be filed in Petitioner’s naval record. 

4. It is certified that 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 Regulations, 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. 


5/20/2021 

2