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

Docket No. 4329-19 
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.

A three-member panel of the Board for Correction of Naval Records, sitting in executive session, considered your application on 28 June 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 (AO) contained in Bureau of Medicine and Surgery letter 5400 DCTF/19UDCTF0024 of 10 May 2019, a copy of which was previously provided to you for comment.

On 10 June 2011, you were awarded a Master of Science (Chemistry) degree from University of California San Diego. On 31 July 2014, you were awarded a Master of Science (Physiology and Biophysics) degree from    University.  On 5 May 2015, you were commissioned as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy Reserve.  On 18 May 2019, you were appointed as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy after graduation from Medical school.

You requested that 3 years be added to your date of rank (DOR) from 8 May 2015 to 8 May 2012 for each year required to complete both of your Master of Science degrees. 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 you were granted the maximum constructive service credit for your qualifying degree. Per DoDI 6000.13 dated 30 December 2015, credit for master’s and doctorate degrees in a health profession other than those listed in paragraph 1c(3)(a) of this enclosure may be awarded based on actual full-time equivalent education of up to 2 years for a master’s degree and up to 4 years for a doctorate degree. Credit may not include time spent in attainment of baccalaureate or other lower degrees. No additional credit may be given for more than one advanced degree in a single field or closely related field. The total credit allowed for both a master’s and a doctorate degree may not exceed the maximum allowed for a doctorate. 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,