Docket No: 2476-19 
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 25 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 and began a period of active duty on 13 August 1978. 
Based on the information contained on your Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214), on 8 March 1983, you were discharged upon completion of your required active service with a general (under honorable conditions) characterization of service and transferred to the Marine Corps Reserve. 
 
The Board carefully weighed all potentially mitigating factors in your case, including your desire to upgrade your discharge.  The Board considered your contention that you received an honorable discharge certificate dated 28 August 1984, but your DD Form 214 did not reflect your correct date or change to an honorable discharge.  You further contend that you are not able to receive full benefits at 100% or a Veterans Affairs identification (VA ID) card, to which you are entitled as a disabled veteran.  After careful consideration, the Board concluded that these factors were insufficient to warrant an upgrade of your characterization of service.  In this regard, the Board relies on a presumption of regularity to support the official actions of public officers and, in the absence of substantial evidence to the contrary (as is the case at present), will presume that they have properly discharged their official duties. 
 
In regard to your contention concerning veteran benefits, whether or not you are eligible for benefits is a matter under the cognizance of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), you should contact the nearest office of the VA concerning your rights to apply for full benefits. 
 
Under the totality of the circumstances, the Board, in its review, determined that there was no probable material error or injustice in your 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,