Docket No: 11605-19 
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. 
 
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 October 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 21 March 1988.  On 8 April 1988, you were diagnosed by a medical board with hypertension.  The medical board opined that you did not meet the minimum standards for enlistment or induction, found you unfit for further military service and recommended administrative discharge from the naval service.  You were informed of the medical board findings, and desired not to submit a statement in rebuttal to the medical board’s recommendation.  Subsequently, you were notified of pending administrative action to separate you from the naval service.  You were advised of, and waived, your procedural right, to consult with military counsel.  The separation authority directed your discharge from the naval service with an uncharacterized entry-level separation.  On 15 April 1988, you were so discharged. 
 
The Board carefully weighed all potentially mitigating factors, including your desire to change the characterization of your discharge.  The Board considered your contentions that: (a) you did not have any knowledge of having any health problems; (b) you were never told by the doctor at the time of your physical that your blood pressure was high; (c) you were never diagnosed with high blood pressure by any medical doctor; (d) you underwent two physicals at the MEPS and passed them both; and (e) you were told in the beginning that you had an honorable discharge, but your paperwork does not reflect that.   
 
Unfortunately, after careful consideration of your contention, the Board did not find evidence of an error or injustice that warrants upgrading your characterization of service due to the diagnosed medical condition.  Further, applicable regulations authorize an uncharacterized entry-level separation if the processing of an individual's separation begins within 180 days of the individual's entry on active service.    
 
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,