DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY 
BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF NAVAL RECORDS 701 S. COURTHOUSE ROAD, SUITE 1001 ARLINGTON, VA 22204-2490 
Docket No. 7887-15 
MAY 2 0 2016 
Dear 

This is in reference to your application for correction of your naval record pursuant to the provisions of 10 use 1552. 
Although your application was not filed in a timely manner, the Board found it in the interest of justice to waive the statute of limitations and consider your case on its merits. A three-member panel of the Board for Correction of Naval Records, sitting in executive session, considered your application on 29 April 2016. 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, your naval record and applicable statutes, regulations and policies. 

A review of your record shows that you entered active duty with the Marine Corps on 28 August 1989. In October 1989, after initially reporting pain problems with your heel and shins, you reported to medical personnel mental and emotional symptoms of shaking, loss of appetite, and nightmares. On 27 October 1989, you provided an extensive history of physical and sexual abuse at the hands of your step-father from age 6 to 13 years old and reported suicidal and homicidal thoughts. As a result, you were diagnosed with post­traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that existed prior to your entry into the Marine Corps and recommended for an entry level separation due to entry level performance and conduct. On 8 November 1989, you were discharged with an uncharacterized entry level separation since you were within your first 180 days of service. 

The Board carefully considered your arguments that you deserve an honorable characterization of service since you were discharged for medical reasons. Unfortunately, the Board disagreed with your rationale for relief. The Board concluded that you were not discharged for medical reasons even though your PTSD condition served as the basis for your entry level performance and conduct discharge. There was no determination by the medical personnel who diagnosed you with PTSD that your condition was stable and would create a substantial occupational impairment that made you unfit for continued naval service. -The recommendation of separation was based on a decision that your PTSD woul d impair your ability to complete basic training and it was in the best interest of the Marine Corps to separate you rather than treat your pre-existing condition . The Board concluded the evidence in your record supported the diagnosis of PTSD and the decision to separate you based on the emotional and mental problems that negatively impacted your training to the extent you were no longer able to participate . Regarding your request for a characterized discharge, the Board concluded that Marine Corps regulations were followed when you were issued ·an uncharacterized entry level separation. The Marine Corps Separation and Retirement Manual directs an uncharacterized separation when a service member is in an entry level status except under certain circumstances such as· cases of misconduct or service so meritorious that the Secretary of Navy determines an Honorable characterization is.warranted. The Board concluded t hat none of the except ions applied in your case and there was no injustice in your case warranting an exception to policy. Accordingly, the Board was .unable to find an e rror or injustice warranting a correction to your record and denied your application. The names and votes of the members of the panel will be furnished upon request. 

It is regretted that the circumstances of your case are such that favorable action cannot be taken. You are entitled to have the Board reconsider its decision upon submission of new evidence within one year from the date of the Boa~d's decision. New evidence is evidence not previously considered by t he Board prior to making its decision in this case. In this. regard, i t is important to keep in mind that a presumption of regularity attaches to all official records . Consequent l y, when applyi ng 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, 

Executive Director .