Docket No.6528-19
Ref:   Signature Date

From: Chairman, Board for Correction of Naval Records 
To:   Secretary of the Navy 

Subj: REVIEW OF NAVAL RECORD OF FORMER     USMC, 

Ref:  (a) 10 U.S.C. § 1552 

Encl: (1) DD Form 149 w/attachments 

1. Pursuant to the reference, Petitioner, a former enlisted member of the Marine Corps, filed the 
enclosure with the Board for Correction of Naval Records (Board), requesting an upgrade to his 
service characterization as reflected on his Report of Separation from Active Duty (DD Form 
214) for his period of active-duty service from 1 May 1985 to 5 October 1987. 

2. The Board, consisting of         reviewed Petitioner’s allegations of error and injustice on 19 August 2020 and, pursuant to its regulations, determined that the corrective action indicated below should be taken on the available evidence of record. Documentary material considered by the Board consisted of the enclosure, relevant portions of Petitioner’s naval service records, and applicable statutes, regulations, and policies. 

3. The Board, having reviewed all the facts of record pertaining to Petitioner’s allegations of error and injustice, finds as follows: 

 a. Before applying to this Board, Petitioner exhausted all administrative remedies available under existing law and regulation within the Department of the Navy. 

 b. Although the enclosure was not filed in a timely manner, it is in the interest of justice to 
review the application on its merits. 

 c. Petitioner enlisted in the Marine Corps and began a period of active duty on 1 May 1985. 
Petitioner began treatment for severe pseudofolliculitis barbae (PB) on 4 April 1987. On 1 June 1987 Petitioner was counseled regarding his failure to show progress with his skin condition-PB. On 16 July 1987, Petitioner completed his treatment for PB, and he was recommended by a Medical Officer for administrative separation. As a result of the foregoing, on 18 September 1987, Petitioner was notified of the initiation of administrative separation proceedings by reason of convenience of the government due to a physical condition, not a disability-pseudofolliculitis barbae. On 21 September 1987, Petitioner’s commanding officer recommended a general characterization of service by reason of convenience of the government due to a physical condition not a disability-pseudofolliculitis barbae. On the same day, Petitioner waived his right to consult with military counsel. On 24 September 1987, Petitioner’s administrative separation proceedings were determined to be sufficient in law and fact. On 28 September 1987, the discharge authority approved and directed the Petitioner’s discharge. On 5 October 1987, 
Petitioner was discharged with a general characterization of service by reason of convenience of the government due to a physical condition not a disability-pseudofolliculitis barbae. 

 d. Petitioner contends he had an ongoing financial issue. Additionally, Petitioner states, he had medical and dental issues that were not properly documented. Petitioner contends there is a discrepancy concerning the medical attention that he needed with regard to his knee issues and shaving condition. Petitioner contends he should not have been given a general discharge. 

CONCLUSION 

In view of the foregoing, the Board determined that Petitioner’s discharge was too severe. As a matter of justice, the Board found that Petitioner is entitled to an upgrade of his discharge characterization to “Honorable.” 

In view of the above, the Board directs the following corrective action. 

RECOMMENDATION: 

That Petitioner’s be issued a new DD Form 214 indicating his characterization of service as “Honorable.” 

That Petitioner be issued an honorable discharge certificate 

That a copy of this report of proceedings be filed in Petitioner’s naval record. 

That, upon request, the Department of Veterans Affairs be informed that Petitioner’s application 
was received by the Board on 27 June 2019. 

4. It is certified that a quorum was present at the Board’s review and deliberations, and that the 
foregoing is a true and complete record of the Board’s proceedings in the above-entitled matter. 

5. Pursuant to the delegation of authority set out in Section 6(e) of the revised Procedures of the 
Board for Correction of Naval Records (32 Code of Federal Regulations, Section 723.6(e)), and 
having assured compliance with its provisions, it is hereby announced that the foregoing 
corrective action, taken under the authority of the reference, has been approved by the Board on 
behalf of the Secretary of the Navy.