Docket No: 8147-19/8482-07 
Ref: Signature Date 

Dear : 
 
This letter is in reference to your reconsideration request dated 20 August 2019.  You previously petitioned the Board for Correction of Naval Records (Board) and were advised that your application had been disapproved.  Your case was reconsidered in accordance with Board procedures that conform to Lipsman v. Sec’y of the Army, 335 F. Supp. 2d 48 (D.D.C. 2004).  After careful and conscientious consideration of the entire record, the Board found the evidence submitted was insufficient to establish the existence of probable material error or injustice.  Consequently, your application has been denied.   
 
Because your application was submitted with new evidence not previously considered, the Board found it in the interest of justice to review your application.  A three-member panel of the Board, sitting in executive session on 16 September 2020, has carefully examined your current request.  The names and votes of the members of the panel will be furnished upon request.  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. 
 
Regarding your request for a personal appearance, the Board determined that a personal appearance with or without counsel will not materially add to their understanding of the issue(s) involved.  Therefore, the Board determined that a personal appearance was not necessary and considered your case based on the evidence of record. 
 
You presented as evidence a personal statement.  After careful and conscientious consideration of the entire record, the Board determined that the documentation that you provided, even though not previously considered by the Board, was insufficient to establish the existence of probable material error or injustice.   
 
In regard to your contentions that your misconduct was due to your drug and alcohol abuse/use and you went to your command for help but were ignored, the Board noted that the record contains documented evidence which is contrary to your contention.  The record clearly shows that in August 1982, you received a substance abuse evaluation, which determined you were not psychologically dependent on drugs/alcohol, required no hospitalization, and used drugs/alcohol for recreational purposes.  In regard to your contentions that have been clean and sober since 1990, earned a degree, and lived an honorable life, the Board noted while commendable, this is not a case warranting clemency.   Regarding your contention that you were young, immature, and out of control, the Board noted that the evidence of record did not show that you were not responsible for your conduct or that you should not be held accountable for your actions. 
   
It is regretted that the circumstances of your reconsideration petition 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 the absence of new matters for reconsideration, the decision of the Board is final, and your only recourse would be to seek relief, at no cost to the Board, from a court of appropriate jurisdiction. 
 
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,