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

Docket No: 11385-19 
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 with respect to your request to upgrade your characterization of service was insufficient to establish the existence of probable material error or injustice.  Consequently, your application has been 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 4 June 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 Marine Corps Reserve on 29 December 1971. According to your naval records, you commenced a period of active duty for training on 24 January 1972. You completed your training on 30 June 1972 with the rank of Private and returned to a reserve status.  You were promoted to Private First Class on 1 August 1972 and you were promoted to Lance Corporal on 1 June 1974. You completed your service on 28 December 1977 with the rank of Lance Corporal. 

The Board carefully weighed your contentions, including that you were a Corporal at the time of your discharge.  However, upon review of all applicable naval records, you were actually a Lance Corporal at the time of your discharge. Therefore, despite your contentions, in its review of your entire record and application, the Board did not find evidence of an error or injustice that warrants changing your rank at your time of discharge. 

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,