Docket No:  11391-19/
             7181-13                               
Ref: Signature Date 


Dear  , 
 
This letter is in reference to your reconsideration request.  You previously petitioned the Board for Correction of Naval Records (Board) and were advised that your application had been disapproved.  Your case was reconsidered in accordance with Board procedures that conform to Lipsman v. Sec’y of the Army, 335 F. Supp. 2d 48 (D.D.C. 2004).  After careful and conscientious consideration of the entire record, the Board found the evidence submitted was 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, sitting in executive session on 16 October 2020.  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 and all material submitted in support of your application. 
 
You presented as new evidence statements regarding the events leading up to your discharge from naval service.  Additionally, you provided a VA Form 26-1843, your certificate of good conduct from the Marine Corps, and a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs as new evidence.  You contend that: (a) your current narrative reason for separation denies you benefits; (b) you served 3 years and 5 months, and your received a good conduct medal; (c) you requested to be discharge, and your discharge was granted by the Navy; and (d) you received a VA Loan.  The Board determined that the evidence that you provided, even though not previously considered by the Board, was insufficient to establish the existence of probable material error or injustice.  The Board in its review discerned no impropriety or inequity in your discharge. 
 
There is no requirement or law that grants recharacterization solely on the issue of obtaining veterans benefits. The Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) determines eligibility for post-service benefits, not BCNR.  You should contact the nearest office of DVA concerning your right to apply for benefits.  If you have been denied benefits, you should appeal that denial under procedures established by the DVA. 
 
It is regretted that the circumstances of your reconsideration petition 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 the absence of new matters for reconsideration, the decision of the Board is final, and your only recourse would be to seek relief, at no cost to the Board, from a court of appropriate jurisdiction. 
 
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,