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

Docket No 8736-18

From:  Chairman, Board for Correction of Naval Records 
To:      Secretary of the Navy 
 
Subj:   REVIEW OF NAVAL RECORD OF   
            
 
Ref: (a) 10 U.S.C. 1552 
 
Encl: (1) DD Form 149  
 
1.  Pursuant to the provisions of the reference, Petitioner, a former enlisted member of the Navy, filed the enclosure with this Board requesting upgrade to the characterization of his discharge, correction to his narrative reason for separation to personality disorder diagnosis, and change to his reenlistment code to RE-3C. 
 
2.  The Board, consisting  reviewed Petitioner’s allegations of error and injustice on 14 August 2019, and, pursuant to its regulations, determined that the corrective action indicated below should be taken on the available evidence of record.  Documentary material considered by the Board consisted of the enclosures, relevant portions of his naval service records, and applicable statutes, regulations, and policies. 
 
3.  The Board, having reviewed all the facts of record 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 of the Navy. 
 
    b.  Although the enclosure was not filed in a timely manner, it is in the interest of justice to review the application on its merits. 
 
    c.  Petitioner enlisted in the Navy and began a period of active duty on 28 March 1994.  Petitioner underwent a medical evaluation on 5 May 1994 following a suicidal gesture.  Petitioner was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder-existed prior to enlistment (EPTE), and recommended for entry level separation.  On 5 May 1994, Petitioner was notified of the initiation of administrative proceedings by reason of convenience of the government due to personality disorder, at which point, Petitioner waived his procedural rights.  On 9 May 1994, the discharge authority approved a directed discharge.  On 12 May 1994, Petitioner was discharged with an uncharacterized characterization of service by reason of personality disorder. 
 
CONCLUSION 
 
The Board determined that the Narrative Reason for Separation “Personality Disorder” be changed to “Secretarial Authority” in order to remove the stigma of a “Personality Disorder.”  The Board concludes that no useful purpose is served by continuing to characterize the Petitioner’s Narrative Reason for Separation as Personality Disorder, and changing it to Secretarial Authority is now more appropriate. 
 
The Board noted Petitioner was issued the appropriate characterization of service and reenlistment code based on naval regulation.  The Board determined Petitioner’s request to upgrade his discharge and change his reenlistment code is not warranted. In view of the above, the Board directs the following corrective action. 
 
RECOMMENDATION: 
 
That Petitioner’s narrative reason for separation is corrected to show Secretarial Authority, vice Personality Disorder. 
 
That Petitioner be issued a new DD Form 214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. 
 
That a copy of this report of proceedings be filed in Petitioner’s naval record. 
 
That, upon request, the Department of Veterans Affairs be informed that Petitioner’s application was received by the Board on 1 August 2018. 
 
4.  Pursuant to Section 6(c) of the revised Procedures of the Board (32 Code of Federal Regulations, Section 723.6(c) 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 of the Board’s proceedings in the above entitled matter. 
 
5.  Pursuant to the delegation of authority set out in Section 6(e) of the revised Procedures of the Board (32 Code of Federal 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 the reference, has been approved by the Board on behalf of the Secretary of the Navy.