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

Docket No: 3207-19 
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 for Correction of Naval Records (Board), sitting in executive session, considered your application on 23 September 2019. 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 September 1988.  A 22 September 1988 Report of Medical Examination notes that you had a penicillin allergy and childhood diseases.  On 30 November 1988, your Chronological Record of Medical Care reflects that you reported that you no longer wanted to be in the Navy.  Notes from 7 December 1988 state that you appeared depressed and were diagnosed with “Mixed Personality Disorder and Immature and dependent features.”  You were notified of administrative separation proceedings against you on the basis of convenience of the government due to personality disorder.  CO, Naval Damage Control Center recommended that you be separated.  You were discharged on 20 December 1988, on the basis of other physical/mental condition- Personality Disorder, and received an uncharacterized entry level separation and a reentry (RE) code of RE-4. 

You request an honorable characterization of service and contend that you have a diagnosed thyroid issue that was caused by an iodine deficiency.  You assert that you should have received an honorable medical discharge and that no attempt was made to discover your medical condition.   

Your request was fully and carefully considered by the Board, and your claim was evaluated in light of the guidance of SECNAVINST 1850.4 series.  The Board noted that within about two months from the start of your active duty service, you reported feeling depressed and stated that you did not “want to be here.” The Board considered that although you were diagnosed with a Personality Disorder, there is no indication in your Medical record that the diagnosis was caused by the military nor is there an indication that you suffered from a thyroid condition while you were in the Navy.  Even in light of your claim that no attempt was made to discover your thyroid issue, the Board felt you were properly discharged with an entry level separation due to your diagnosis of Personality Disorder.  The Board determined that your entry level separation was issued without error or injustice, and corrective action is not warranted. 

Regarding your request for a personal appearance, the Board determined that a personal appearance with or without counsel will not materially add to its understanding of the issue(s) involved.  Therefore, the Board determined that a personal appearance was not necessary and considered your case based on the evidence of record. 

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, 


12/2/2019