Docket No: 6356-19 
Ref: Signature date 
 
MR 
 
 
Dear Mr. : 
 
This letter is in reference to your application for correction of your naval record, filed 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, the application has been denied.     
 
Although the 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 the application on its merits.  A three-member panel of the Board, sitting in executive session, considered the application on 19 August 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. 
 
Regarding your request for a personal appearance, the Board determined that a personal appearance with or without counsel would not materially add to their understanding of the issues involved.  Therefore, the Board determined that a personal appearance was not necessary and considered the case based on the evidence of record. 
 
You enlisted in the Marine Corps and began a period of active service on 30 January 1986.  On 10 February 1986, you were admitted to the psychiatric ward at Naval Hospital, .  You were diagnosed with bipolar disorder, chronic, existed prior to entry and you were recommended for expeditious entry level separation.  On 6 March 1986, you were discharged with an entry level separation by reason of entry level performance and conduct. 
 
The Board carefully weighed all of your contentions as well as all potentially mitigating factors, including that your DD Form 214 contains a false statement of the reason for your discharge after you had a mental breakdown during training.  The Board noted that the reason for separation set forth in your DD Form 214 is supported by the records in your file.  According to the records, you were admitted to the hospital for a psychiatric examination 11 days after the start of recruit training.  Subsequently, you were recommended for an expeditious separation and were discharged after 37 days of service.  At the time of your discharge, your mental health diagnosis fell under the “Entry Level Performance and Conduct” category for individuals being discharged from recruit training.  Accordingly, the Board did not find evidence of any error or injustice that warrants changing the narrative reason for separation.   
 
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,