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

Docket No: 428-18              
Ref: Signature date 

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 you did not file your application 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 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, as well as applicable statutes, regulations, and policies. 

You enlisted in the Navy on 20 August 1998.  During your enlistment medical evaluation on 7 January 1998, it was noted that you had moderate Pes Planus that existed prior to your enlistment into the Navy.  As a result, your commanding officer (CO) recommended an entry-level characterization of service due to erroneous enlistment.  The discharge authority approved this recommendation and directed an entry-level separation due to erroneous enlistment that existed prior to enlistment.  You were discharged on 25 September 1998. 

The Board carefully weighed all potentially mitigating factors, such as your desire to change your characterization of service and contention that you were injured during training, which prevented you from completing your enlistment.  However, the Board found that these factors were not sufficient to warrant changing your characterization of service. 

The Board also noted that you were notified of your separation processing within 180 days of the beginning of your period of active service.  Applicable regulations authorize an uncharacterized entry-level separation if the processing of an individual's separation begins within 180 days of the individual's entry on active service.  

In regard to your contention that you were injured during training which prevented you from completing your enlistment, the Board noted that the record contains documented evidence which is contrary to your contention.  The record shows that during your enlistment medical evaluation on 7 January 1988, it was noted that you had moderate Pes Planus that existed prior to your enlistment into the Navy. 

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, 



6/10/2019