DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF NAVAL RECORDS 701 S. COURTHOUSE ROAD, SUITE 1001 ARLINGTON, VA 22204-2490 Docket No: 567-20 Ref: Signature date From: Chairman, Board for Correction of Naval Records To: Secretary of the Navy 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 separation and separation code be changed to Secretarial Authority or a similar reason as his military history does not support a diagnosis of a personality disorder. 2. The Board, consisting of ,reviewed Petitioner's allegations of error and injustice on 31 March 2020, and pursuant to its regulations, determined that the partial 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, policies, and an advisory opinion (AO) provided by a qualified Mental Health professional; enclosure (3). 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. Petitioner enlisted in the Navy and began a period of active service on 26 May 1998. On 20 November 1998, Petitioner received nonjudicial punishment (NJP) for failure to follow a lawful order (underage drinking). The same day he was counseled that any further deficiencies in his performance or conduct could result in disciplinary action or administrative separation. c. On 22 January 1999, Petitioner was evaluated by a clinical psychologist at after reporting symptom of depress for the preceding four months. During his evaluation, he admitted to increased anger and depression, punching a brick wall, crying twice a day, sleep and eating difficulties, weight loss and alcohol consumption. Additionally, Petitioner claimed that he would go in an unauthorized absence status should he receive order to the Fleet Marine Force. Petitioner was diagnosed with adjustment disorder with depressed mood, alcohol abuse and borderline personality disorder. The clinical psychologist recommended for an administrative separation based upon his chronic maladaptive coping style which was not amenable to treatment in a military setting. d On 12 February 1999, Petitioner was notified of administrative separation proceedings by reason of convenience of the government – personality disorder and misconduct – commission of a serious offense. He waived his right to counsel and to submit a written statement on his behalf. On 1 March 1999, Petitioner’s commanding officer recommended ageneral (under honorable conditions discharge). On 25 March 1999, discharged with a general under honorable conditions) character of service, personality disorder narrative reason for separation, and JFX separation code. CONCLUSION Upon review and consideration of all the evidence of record, the Board concludes that Petitioner’s request warrants relief. The Board determined that the narrative reason for separation and separation code be changed in order to remove the stigma a mental health condition as no useful purpose is served by continuing to indicate personality disorder on Petitioner’s DD Form 214. In this regard, the Board noted that normally a 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. The Board further concluded both the previously issued DD Form 214, and the new DD Form 214 should remain in the record for historical purposes. In view of the foregoing, the Board finds the existence of an injustice warranting the following partial corrective action. RECOMMENDATION That Petitioner’s be issued a new DD Form 214 indicating the narrative reason for separation as secretarial authority and the separation code as JFF. 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 17 January 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.