Dear   
 
This is in reference to your application for correction of your father’s naval record pursuant to Section 1552 of Title 10, United States Code.  After careful and conscientious consideration of relevant portions of your father’s 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 9 February 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 father’s naval record and applicable statutes, regulations and policies.  In addition, the Board considered the advisory opinion contained in Navy Personnel Command memorandum 1430 PERS 8031/0350 of 22 December 2020; a copy of which was previously provided to you for comment.   
 
You requested a retroactive promotion for your father to the grade of Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman (HMCS)/E-8.  The Board, in its review of Chief entire record and your application, carefully weighed all potentially mitigating factors, to include your assertions.  The Board concluded that Chief did not meet the criteria for advancement to HMCS/E-8 in accordance with Bureau of Naval Personnel Instruction 1430.16A.  Specifically, the policy indicated all members authorized advancement to E-8 were required to declare their intent of accepting or declining advancement no later than 30 June of the year after the announcement of their selection.  A review of Chief record indicates he was selected for advancement to HMCS/E-8 effective 17 November 1978; however, there is no evidence that he accepted the advancement as required by the aforementioned policy.  In this connection, the Board substantially concurred with the comments contained in the advisory opinion. 
 
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,