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

Docket No: 11094-19 
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 has been denied.
 
A three-member panel of the Board, sitting in executive session, considered your application on 24 February 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, as well as applicable statutes, regulations, and policies.
 
You enlisted in the Navy and began a period of active duty on 11 May 1977. On 18 January 1978, you had a medical evaluation that determined you had a septal deviation that existed prior to your entry on active duty and an acute viral illness that did not exist prior to your entry on active duty.  On 4 May 1979, you were counseled that you were not recommended for reenlistment and discharged with a general (under honorable conditions) characterization of service, and a narrative reason for separation “for other good and sufficient reasons when determined by the Secretary of the Navy.” On 20 August 2018, the Board granted your request for the characterization of service to be upgraded to honorable.  The Board noted that your overall trait average was 3.6 and, at the time of your discharge, a 3.0 was required for an honorable discharge. 

You assert that the Board’s 3 November 2018 decision letter incorrectly states the acute viral illness existed prior to your enlistment and that your DD Form 214 does not indicate that your discharge was due to your medical condition.  You request the Board change your DD Form 214, Block 28, Narrative Reason for Separation to read:  “medical reasons” and change the Board’s decision letter, page 2, paragraph 3 c to read:  “acute viral illness DNEPTE.” With respect to your narrative reason for separation, the Board found no error in the records.  The purpose of the Board’s decision letter was to correct the character of your discharge, which it did.  However, the Board acknowledges that your viral illness did not exist prior to your enlistment. 

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,