Docket No: 10505-19 
Ref: Signature Date                                                                                
 
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 was 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 14 September 2020.  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. 
  
You enlisted in the Navy and began a period of active duty on 12 May 1986.  On 18 March 1986, you signed the U.S. Navy policy on drug abuse.  On 13 May 1986, you were again briefed as to the U.S. Navy policy on drug abuse.  On 24 February 1988, nonjudicial punishment (NJP) was imposed on you for Wrongful Use of Controlled Substance.  Subsequently, on 5 April 1988, administrative separation action by reason of Misconduct due to Drug Abuse, was initiated against you.  On 6 April 1988, and you waived your right to counsel and your right to an administrative board.  On 6 April 1988, your Commanding Officer forwarded your package to the separation authority recommending you be administratively separated with an under Other than Honorable (OTH) characterization of service.  On 21 April 1988, the separation authority directed your administrative separation under OTH conditions.  On 3 May 1988, you were separated from the Naval service under OTH conditions.   
 
You requested an upgrade of your discharge characterization.  You stated that you were unaware that the Board was available.  You also provided character letters highlighting your post service conduct.  However, the Board concluded these factors and assertions were not sufficient to warrant a change to your discharge given your misconduct, which included NJP for drug use.   
  
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,