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

Docket No:  10166-19/907-17 
Ref:  Signature Date 
 
Dear : 
  
This is in reference to your application for correction of your naval record pursuant to Section 1552 of Title 10, United States Code.  After careful and conscientious consideration of relevant portions of your naval record and your application, the Board for Correction of Naval Records (Board) found the evidence submitted insufficient to establish the existence of probable material error or injustice.  Consequently, your application has been denied.     
  
Because your application was submitted with new evidence not previously considered, the Board found it in the interest of justice to review your application.  Your current request has been carefully examined by a three-member panel of the Board, sitting in executive session on 8 March 2021.  The names and votes of the members of the panel will be furnished upon request.  Documentary material considered by the Board consisted of your application, together with all material submitted in support thereof, relevant portions of your naval record, applicable 
statutes, regulations, and policies to include the 25 July 2018 Under Secretary of Defense Memo on Guidance to Military Discharge Review Boards and Boards for Correction of Military / Naval Records Regarding Equity, Injustice, or Clemency Determinations.  In addition, the Board considered the advisory opinion (AO) furnished by a qualified mental health professional dated 12 January 2021, which was previously provided to you, and your rebuttal statement dated 2 February 2021, and Department of Veterans Affairs rebuttal letter dated 5 February 2021. 
 
You presented civilian medical records showing that you underwent a psychiatric evaluation in 2011 and were administered a PTSD checklist, Military Version, and that your score was reportedly indicative of PTSD.  However, your diagnosis was Major Depressive Disorder, single episode, severe, with psychotic features; Generalized Anxiety Disorder; and Alcohol Dependence.  In reviewing the circumstances of your separation and characterization of service, the Board considered the totality of the circumstances to determine whether relief is appropriate today in the interests of justice in accordance with guidance provided by the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness (Wilkie Memo of 25 July 2018).  Additionally, the Board concurred with the AO’s statement that although you carry a post-discharge diagnosis of PTSD, the preponderance of available objective evidence fails to establish that you suffered from PTSD at the time of your military service, or your in-service misconduct could be attributed to PTSD.  After careful review, the Board concluded that your other than honorable characterization of service was issued without error or injustice, and that corrective action is not warranted. 
  
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,