Docket No: 543-20 
 Ref: Signature Date 

Dear : 
 
This is in reference to your application for correction of your naval record pursuant to Section 1552 of Title 10, United States Code.  After careful and conscientious consideration of relevant portions of your naval record and your application, the Board for Correction of Naval Records (Board) found the evidence submitted insufficient to establish the existence of probable material error or injustice.  Consequently, your application has been denied.    
 
A three-member panel of the Board, sitting in executive session, considered your application on 2 March 2021.  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, together with all material submitted in support thereof, relevant portions of your naval record, and applicable statutes, regulations, and policies, as well as the 19 September 2019 advisory opinion (AO) furnished by the Marine Corps Performance Evaluation Review Board (PERB).  The AO was provided to you on 16 January 2020, and you were given 30 days in which to submit a response.  When you did not provide a response, your case was submitted to the Board for consideration.  
 
The Board carefully considered your request to remove your fitness report for the reporting period 1 August 2017 to 30 June 2018.  The Board considered your contentions that your reporting officials’ comments are not reflected in your grade and the cumulative value of your fitness report.  As examples, you noted your section I and section K statements, “. . . exceptional performance and aggressive work habits made him an invaluable asset . . .” and “. . . highly experienced yielding great results with completing any task and unsurpassed devotion.”  You also contend that your subsequent fitness report from the same reporting officials more accurately reflected the word picture.  You claim that you received a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal covering both reporting periods, and the majority of your accomplishments occurred during the contested reporting period.  As evidence, you furnished your award citation and character statements. 
 
The Board, however, substantially concurred with the AO that your fitness report is valid and should be retained as filed.  In this regard, the Board noted that the Marine Corps Performance Evaluation System Manual does not provide a scale to match section I comments with attribute marks or comparative assessments, nor is there a metric for the receipt of a personal award.  The Board determined that each reporting period is unique and higher marks on your subsequent fitness report is not a basis to remove your contested fitness report. Accordingly, the Board concluded that there is no probable material error, substantive inaccuracy, or injustice warranting corrective action.  
 
You are entitled to have the Board reconsider its decision upon 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,