DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY 

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

Docket No: 2334-17 
MAY 22 2017 

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

Subj: REVIEW OF NAVAL RECORD OF 

Ref: (a) 10 U.S.C. 1552 
(b) SECNA VINST 5420.193 Series 
Encl: (1) DD Form 149 
(2) Subject's naval record (DD Form 214) 

1. Pursuant to the provisions ofreferences (a) and (b), Petitioner, a former member ofthe Navy, 
filed enclosure (I) with this Board requesting a change to Petitioner's naval record, specifically, 
to correct the record to reflect a name change. Enclosures (1) and (2) apply. 

2. The Board, consisting of                         reviewed Petitioner's 
allegations oferror and injustice on 7 April 2017, and pursuant to its regulations, determined that 
the partial corrective action indicated below should be taken on the available evidence ofrecord. 
Documentary material considered by the Board consisted ofthe 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. Enclosure (1) was filed in a timely manner. 

c. Petitioner entered the Navy and began a period ofactive duty on 24 May 2005. On 
12 August 2005, Petitioner was discharged with an uncharacterized (entry level separation) 
characterization of service. In this regard, Petitioner was issued a Certificate of Release or 
Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214) based on the name used while serving in the Navy, 
specifically, 

d. After undergoing gender reassignment, an District Court ordered and adjudged 
Petitioner's name change 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 about their personal history. 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 of all 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 gender and concludes that the DD Form 214 
should be changed to reflect the Petitioner's present name, and that Petitioner be issued a "new 
and updated" 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 that a new and updated DD 
Form 214 is warranted to eliminate the possibilities of invasive questions. The Board further 
concluded that no other changes should be made to Petitioner's record, and that both the 
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: 

a. That Petitioner's naval record, specifically, Block 1 ofthe DD Form 214, be corrected to 
reflect the name ." 

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

c. That no further changes be made to the record. 

d. 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. 

e. That upon request, the Department of Veterans Affairs be informed that Petitioner's 
application was received in 10 March 201 7. 

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 ofthe 
Board for Correction ofNaval Records (32 Code ofFederal 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 ofthe Secretary ofthe Navy. 

Executive Director