Docket No: 5864-19 
Ref: Signature date 
 
 
Dear : 
 
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 with respect to your request to upgrade your characterization of service was insufficient to establish the existence of probable material error or injustice.  Consequently, your application has been denied.     
 
Although you did not file the application in a timely manner, the Board found it in the interest of justice to waive the statute of limitations and consider the application on its merits.  A three-member panel of the Board, sitting in executive session, considered the application on 22 July 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 the 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 Navy on and began active duty on 9 September 1981.  On 29 September 1982, you received nonjudicial punishment (NJP) for an unauthorized absence of thirty days.  On 7 July 1983, you received NJP punishment for using marijuana.  On 6 April 1984, you received NJP punishment for five instances of unauthorized absence, and you were then issued a written warning concerning your behavior on 25 April 1984.  On 30 October 1984, you again received NJP for using marijuana.  On 18 November 1984, you were issued a notification of the initiation of administrative separation processing, and you waived your right to an administrative board.  On 24 December 1984, you were discharged and issued an under other than honorable characterization of service. 
 
The Board carefully weighed your desire to upgrade your discharge and all mitigating factors  including your contention that you had no training or education on how to interact with people, and that you used alcohol to help your stress level go down.  The Board also considered the letters of support that you submitted with your application.  The Board considered your application in light of the 25 July 2018 memorandum, “Guidance to Military Discharge Review boards and Boards for Correction of Military/Naval Records Regarding Equity, Injustice, or Clemency Determinations.”  After careful consideration of your contentions and materials, the Board did not find evidence of an error or injustice that warrants upgrading your 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,