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 relevant portions of your naval record and your application, 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.     
 
A three-member panel of the Board for Correction of Naval Records, sitting in executive session, considered your application on 18 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 your application, together with all material submitted in support thereof, relevant portions of your naval record and applicable statutes, regulations and policies.  In addition, the Board considered the advisory opinion contained in Office of the Chief of Naval Operations memorandum 7220 Ser N130/20U0421 of 20 March 2020; a copy of which was previously provided to you for comment. 
 
In accordance with Policy Decision Memorandum (PDM) 001-17: Sea Duty Incentive Pay Program.  Sea duty is often viewed as particularly arduous for certain ratings, pay grades, and skills. This creates difficulty in manning within the Navy's sea-centric framework.  Sea Duty Incentive Pay (SDIP) Program is for designated ratings, pay grades, and skills will be eligible to extend beyond their prescribed sea tour (PST) or projected rotation date (PRD) (whichever occurs later).  There are three SDIP options for which a Sailor may be eligible.  SDIP requests will originate at the Sailor's current command, prior to being selected or posted to a billet for follow-on orders or a separate extension becoming effective. Requests consist of a completed application (NA VPERS 1306/7) with command endorsement.  SDIP-B/E requests must be received by the detailer 11 to 13 months prior to PST completion date/PRD, whichever occurs later.  Detailers will determine whether a request meets all SDIP program requirements and can be executed, make a recommendation, and submit all SDIP requests to NPC (PERS-40DD), via BBD, for a final decision.  NPC (PERS-40DD) will make final approval decisions on all SDIP requests.  Once the approval message is received, the Sailor's current command will create a Page 13 agreement for the Sailor, as outlined in the approval message.  SDIP payments will be calculated and made in a lump-sum. 
 
On 15 August 2014, you transferred from ATRC .  On 1 September 2014, you arrived to the USS  (DDG-) for duty.  On 28 February 2019, your Enlisted Personnel Action Request was submitted for SDIP-B and was approved by cognizant authority.  On 7 March 2019, your SDIP sea duty back-to-back assignment was disapproved.  The criteria establishes that SDIP requests must be received by the detailer 11-13 months prior to your PST completion date/PRD, whichever occurs later. A review of your enlisted master file reveals that your PRD is September 2019 and your request was received in February 2019, which is seven months prior to your PRD.  On 18 September 2019, you transferred.  
 
You requested SDIP-B approval and lump sum payment; the Board, in its review of your entire record and application, carefully weighed all potentially mitigating factors, to include your assertions.  However, the Board concluded that you failed to submit your SDIP request between 11 and 13 months prior to your PST completion date/PRD.  In this connection, the Board substantially concurred with the comments contained in the advisory opinion. 
 
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. 
 
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,