DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF NAVAL RECORDS 701 S. COURTHOUSE ROAD, SUITE 1001 ARLINGTON, VA 22204-2490 Docket No: 4037-18 Date: Ref Signature Dear : 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. 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 12 June 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 service on 13 January 1986. On 17 May 1985, you signed an acknowledgment of the Navy’s drug and alcohol abuse policy. You went on unauthorized absence from 3 July 1986 to 7 July 1986. On 7 July 1987, you received non-judicial punishment (NJP) for wrongful use of cocaine. As a result of the foregoing, you were discharged on 23 July 1987, with an other than honorable (OTH) characterization of service by reason of misconduct-drug abuse (use). The Board carefully weighed all potentially mitigating factors, such your request to upgrade your discharge and contentions that you took an illegal substance to deal with personal family and relationship issues, you turned yourself in after knowing you were doing the wrong thing, you wish you had spoken to your chain of command or chaplain, you have tried to right your wrongs, and you have learned from your mistakes. The Board reviewed your character letters, and commend your efforts to be model citizen. Notwithstanding, the Board noted you were sufficiently informed on the Navy’s drug abuse policy. The Board concluded there is insufficient evidence to warrant relief in your case given your drug related misconduct. In its review, the Board 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 the 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, 8/7/2019 Executive Director