From:  Chairman, Board for Correction of Naval Records 
To:      Secretary of the Navy 
 
Subj:   REVIEW OF NAVAL RECORD OF FORMER  USN,   XXX-XX- 
 
Ref: (a) 10 U.S.C. 1552   
 
Encl: (1) DD Form 149  
      (2) Case summary 
      (3) Naval record (excerpts) 
 
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 upgrade to the characterization of his discharge from General (Under Honorable Conditions) to Honorable, reasoning that he had a disability.  Enclosures (1) through (3) apply. 
 
2.  The Board, consisting of  reviewed Petitioner's allegations of error and injustice on 26 March 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 his naval service records, 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 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 duty on 14 November 1996.  On 8 July 1997, Petitioner engaged in an argument with spouse while on board of her ship.  He was subsequently detained and placed in confinement.  On the same date, Petitioner underwent a medical evaluation following a suicidal statement.  On 9 July 1997, Petitioner began a period of unauthorized absence (UA), which lasted one day.  Subsequently, he went to a motel room with the intent to overdose himself.  On 10 July 1997, Petitioner was recommended for expeditious administrative separation due to unsuitability.  On 11 July 1997, Petitioner received nonjudicial punishment (NJP) for UA and missing ship’s movement.  On 29 July 1997, Petitioner was notified of the initiation of administrative proceedings by reason of convenience of the government due to personality disorder, at which point, Petitioner waived his procedural right to consult with counsel and to submit statements on his behalf.  On 30 July 1997, his commanding officer forwarded his package to the separation authority recommending administrative separation with a General (GEN) discharge by reason of convenience of the government due to personality disorder.  On 4 August 1997, the recommendation was approved and Petitioner was separated from the Navy with a GEN character of service, narrative reason for separation as personality disorder, separation code HFX (which corresponds to “personality disorder, not amounting to a disability, but which interferes with assignment or performance of duty), and an RE-4 reentry code. 
 
CONCLUSION 
 
The Board determined that the Narrative Reason for Separation “Personality Disorder” should be changed to “Secretarial Authority” in order to remove the stigma of a “Personality Disorder.”  The Board concludes that no useful purpose is served by continuing to characterize the Petitioner’s Narrative Reason for Separation as Personality Disorder, and changing it to Secretarial Authority is now more appropriate.   
 
The Board noted Petitioner was issued the appropriate characterization of service and reenlistment code based on naval regulations.  The Board determined Petitioner’s request to upgrade his discharge is not warranted.  
 
In view of the above, the Board directs the following corrective action. 
 
RECOMMENDATION: 
 
That Petitioner be issued a new Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214) indicating his character of service as “General,” his narrative reason for separation as “secretarial authority,” separation code as “JFF,” separation authority as “MILPERSMAN1910-164,” and his reentry code as “RE-4” 
 
That a copy of this report of proceedings be filed in Petitioner’s naval record. 
 
4.  Pursuant to Section 6(c) of the revised Procedures of the Board for Correction of Naval Records (32 Code of Federal Regulations, Section 723.6(c) 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.     


4/14/2021
Executive Director