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

Docket No: 1616-18 
Date: Ref Signature  

Dear : 

This letter is in reference to your application for correction of your naval record pursuant to Title 10, United States Code, Section 1552. After careful and conscientious consideration of the entire record, the Board for Correction of Naval Records (Board) found the evidence submitted was insufficient to establish the existence of probable material error or injustice. Consequently, your application has been denied. 

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 application on its merits. A three-member panel of the Board, sitting in executive session, considered your application on 17 April 2019. 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 naval record, as well as applicable statutes, regulations, and policies. 

You enlisted in the Navy and began a period of active duty on 4 May 1981.  On 12 April 1983, you received nonjudicial punishment (NJP) for two specification of unauthorized absence (UA).  In May 1983 you completed a substance abuse counseling program.  You received a 7 June 1983 written counseling that, if your behavior did not improve, you may be processed for discharge.  You subsequently were sent to substance abuse counseling again following a civilian arrest.  An 11 May 1984 substance abuse report noted your failure to adhere to military standards relating to alcohol abuse, that you had not progressed in your rehabilitation, and you were awaiting court arraignment for your second offense for driving under the influence (DUI).  On 14 May 1984, you were notified of the initiation of administrative separation proceedings by reason of alcohol rehabilitation failure.  The discharge authority directed an honorable discharge by reason of alcohol abuse-rehabilitation failure.  On 20 August 1984, you were discharged. 

The Board carefully weighed all potentially mitigating factors, such as your desire to remove alcohol abuse-rehabilitation failure from your DD form 214, and your contention this should have never been included on your DD form 214.  The Board noted that, following your successful completion of substance abuse counseling in 1983, you were sufficiently notified of the consequences of further alcohol related misconduct.  The Board concluded you were issued the appropriate separation reason in accordance with Navy regulations.  The Board, in its review, discerned no material error or injustice in your discharge. 

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 matters.  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,

Executive Director