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

Docket No. 2158-18 
AUG 13 2019 


This 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.
 
A three-member panel of the Board for Correction of Naval Records, sitting in executive session, considered your application on 19 March 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 and applicable statutes, regulations and policies. In addition, the Board considered the advisory opinion contained in Chief Bureau of Medicine and Surgery letter 5400 Ser DCTF/18UDCTF0050 dated 6 August 2018; a copy of which was previously provided to you for comment. A copy of this advisory opinion is again enclosed. 

On 11 July 2013, you were commissioned in the U.S. Navy with a designator of 1970. On 26 August 2013, you matriculated with the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS). On 21 May 2016, you graduated and received your Doctor of Philosophy degree. On 20 May 2017, you graduated and received your Doctor of Medicine degree, and were appointed a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy with a designator of 2100 (Medical Corps Officer). 

You requested to receive service credit for 3 years of accomplished graduate work (PhD). The Board, in its review of your entire record and application, carefully weighed all potentially mitigating factors, to include your assertions. Nevertheless, the Board concluded that constructive credit is granted when that degree is required for appointment in the professional specialty being entered. You were granted the maximum number of years (4-years) of constructive service credit (August 2013 to May 2017) for your qualifying degree. Therefore, no further entry grade credit is warranted. In this connection, the Board substantially concurred with the comments contained in the advisory opinion. 

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, which will require you to complete and submit a new DD Form 149. 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

Enclosure: BUMED ltr 5400 Ser DCTF/l8UDCTF0050 dtd 6 Aug 18