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

Docket No. 3421-19 
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. 

A three-member panel of the Board for Correction of Naval Records, sitting in executive session, considered your application on 6 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.  In addition, the Board considered the advisory opinion contained in BUMED letter 5400 Ser M1/19UM10036 of 23 July 2019; a copy of which was previously provided to you for comment. 

On 23 December 2014, you were awarded a Master of Science majoring in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology with concentration Clinical Exercise Physiology.  On 1 June 2015, you were commissioned as an Ensign with a designator of 1970 in the U.S. Navy.  On 18 May 2019, you graduated and were appointed as a Lieutenant with a designator of 2100 in the U.S. Navy.
   
You requested a change in your date of rank from May 2015 to Aug 2013; the Board, in its review of your entire record and application, carefully weighed all potentially mitigating factors, to include your assertions.  However, the Board concluded that 30 December 2015 DoDI 6000.13 was published and eliminated constructive credit for advance degrees other than the professional degree for which the officer was appointed.  Furthermore, implementation occurred immediately and affected all those graduating after 30 December 2015.  In this connection, the Board substantially concurred with the comments contained in the advisory opinion.
 
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, 


1/7/2020