Docket No: 7577-19 
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. 
 
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 23 June 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 your 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 Marine Corps and began a period of active duty on 2 April 1975.  On 17 June 1975, you were counseled for unsatisfactory performance in recruit training.  On 19 June 1975, you received nonjudicial punishment for a period of unauthorized absence, and you were notified of administrative separation proceedings against you.  You waived your right to submit a statement.  On 24 June 1975, a Marine Corps Recruit Depot Aptitude Board recommended that you be discharged for defective attitude, and you expressed your desire for separation.  On 27 June 1975, you were discharged from the Marine Corps with a general discharge. 
 
You requested an upgrade to the characterization of your service from general to honorable, so that you can buy back time towards your retirement.  Please note that the Board does not upgrade discharges for the sole purpose of obtaining benefits.  Similarly, the Board does not upgrade discharges solely based on the passage of time.  The Board found no evidence of error or injustice in your discharge that warrants an upgrade to the characterization of your service and concluded that your discharge is proper as issued.  
 
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 the 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.