DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY 
BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF NAVAL RECORDS 
701 S. COURTHOUSE ROAD, SUITE 1001 
ARLINGTON, VA 22204-2490 
               
Docket No: 1562-19                                     
Ref: Signature Date 

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  4 March 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 25 June 1986.  On  8 September 1987, you were evaluated.  You were diagnosed with anxiety disorder and personality disorder, and recommended for administrative separation by reason of anxiety disorder and personality disorder.  Subsequently, you were notified of pending administrative action to separate you from the naval service because of your diagnosed disorders.  You were advised of, and waived, your procedural rights, including your right to consult with military counsel.  The discharge authority directed that you be discharged with a general (under honorable conditions) characterization of service.  On 21 October 1987, you were so discharged. 

Character of service is often based, in part, on the overall trait average (OTA) computed from marks assigned on a periodic basis.  Your OTA was 2.53, which was below the OTA of 3.0 required at the time of your separation for a fully honorable characterization of service. 

The Board carefully weighed all potentially mitigating factors in your case, including your desire to upgrade your discharge.  The Board considered your assertion that, although you were not a perfect match for the Navy, you served honorably.  The Board concluded, however, that these factors were insufficient to warrant relief in your case given your diagnosed medical condition and OTA.  Therefore, the Board discerned no probable material error or injustice in your discharge that would warrant a change in your characterization of 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, 

3/24/2020