DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY 

BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF NAVAL RECORDS 
701 S. COURTHOUSE ROAD, SUITE 1001 
ARLINGTON, VA 22204-2490 

Docket No: 1750-17 
MAY 22 2017 

From: Chairman, Board for Correction ofNaval Records · 
To: Secretary ofthe Navy 

Ref: (a) 10 U.S.C. 1552 
(b) SECNAVINST 5420.193 
Encl: (1) DD Form 149 with attachments 
(2) Case summary 
(3) Subject's naval record (excerpts) 

1. Pursuant to the provisions ofreferences (a) and (b), Petitioner, 
filed enclosure (1) with this Board requesting a change to Petitioner's Naval 
record, specifically, to reflect a name change. Enclosures (1) through (3) apply. 

2. The Board reviewed Petitioner's allegations oferror and injustice on 9 May 2017 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, naval records, and applicable statutes, regulations, and policies. 

3. The Board, having reviewed all the facts ofrecord 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 ofthe Navy. 

b. Although enclosure (1) was not filed in a timely manner, it is in the interest ofjustice to 
waive the statute limitation and review the application on its merits. 

c. Petitioner enlisted in the Navy and began a period ofactive service on 17 February 2010. 
On 16 February 2014 she was honorably discharged and transferred to. the fleet reserve. In this 
regard, Petitioner was issued a Certificate ofRelease or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 
214) based on the name used while serving in the Navy, specifically 

d. On 13 February 2017, a  County Court ordered adjudged Petitioner's name changed 
to 

e. The Board may consider applications for name changes to a Petitioner's DD Form 214 to 
correct an error or remove an injustice. The Petitioner provided justification demonstrating that 
having the former name on the DD Form 214 causes an injustice. Although the military record 
was correct at the time it was made, former military personnel who have legally changed their 
name and sex, or are the subject ofgender reassignment, may have their DD Form 214 changed 
to accurately reflect their present name and sex/gender. In this regard, the change may allow 
them to obtain various benefits, services, employment, etc., without being subject to otherwise 
invasive questions. However, the provisions/guidance only apply to the service-member's DD 
Form 214, and as such, no further changes will be made to the record. 

CONCLUSION: 

Upon review and consideration ofall the evidence ofrecord, the Board concludes that 
Petitioner's request warrants favorable action. The Board notes the legal actions taken by 
civil authorities to change Petitioner's name and concludes that PetitiOner's DD Form 214 should 
be changed to reflect the Petitioner's present name and that he be issued "new and updated" DD 
Forms 214. In this regard, the Board noted that normally a DD Form 215 would be issued to 
correct the record; however, the Board concluded that a new and updated DD Form 214 is 
warranted to eliminate the possibilities ofinvasive questions. The Board further concluded that 
no other changes should be made to Petitioner's record, and that both "previously issued DD 
Form 214 and the new DD Form 214 bearing the Petitioner's new name should remain in the 
record for historical purposes.  

RECOMMENDATION: 

That Petitioner's Naval record, specifically, Block 1 ofthe DD Form 214, be corrected to reflect 
the mime instead of 

That Petitioner be issued a new DD Form 214 which reflects the Petitioner's current name. 

That no further changes be made to the record. 

That a copy ofthis report ofproceedings be filed in Petitioner's naval record, along with the 
previously issued DD Form 214 and the corrected DD Form 214 which reflects Petitioner's name 
change. 

That upon request, the Department of Veterans Affairs be informed that Petitioner's application 
was received in 17 February 2017. 

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 ofthe Board's proceedings in the above entitled matter. 

5. Pursuant to the delegation ofauthority set out in Section 6( e) ofthe revised·Procedures of the 
Board for Correction ofNaval Records (32 Code ofFederal Regulation, Section 723.6(e)) and 
havirig assured compliance with its provisions, it is hereby announced that the foregoing 
corrective action, taken under the authority ofreference (a), has been approved by the Board on 
behalf ofthe Secretary ofthe Navy. 

Executive Director