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

Docket No: 3447-19  
Ref: Signature Date 

This letter 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 8 August 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.   

Regarding your request for a personal appearance, the Board determined a personal appearance with or without counsel would not materially add to their understanding of the issues involved.  Therefore, the Board determined a personal appearance was not necessary and considered your case based on the evidence of record. 

You enlisted in the Navy and began a period of active duty on March 2002.  Your record is incomplete in that it does not contain the documents pertaining to your administrative discharge but, based on your Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214), it appears that after being afforded all of your rights, the separation authority directed that you be discharged with an other than honorable (OTH) characterization of service by reason of misconduct due to drug abuse.  You were discharged with an OTH characterization of service on June 2004.  

The Board carefully reviewed your application, weighed all potentially mitigating factors, and considered your request for clemency so you can be a “proud veteran and possibly use some of the benefits”.  Additionally, the Board noted your assigned separation code shows you were notified of and waived your procedural rights.  In doing so, you gave up your first and best opportunity to advocate for rehabilitation, retention, or a more favorable characterization of service.  The Board, noting you did not submit any post-service information or advocacy letters, did not find evidence of an error or injustice that warrants upgrading your characterization of service.  Based on your misconduct, the Board determined you were assigned an appropriate 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,