DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY 
BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF NAVAL RECORDS 
701 S. COURTHOUSE ROAD, SUITE 1001 
ARLINGTON, VA 22204-2490

Docket No: 0833-19  
Date: Ref Signature 
 

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 29 January 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 Navy and began a period of active duty on 8 November 1963.  On 5 June 1964, you were convicted at a special court-martial (SPCM) for unauthorized absence (UA) and missing ships movement.  You underwent a medical evaluation and you were recommended for discharge by the medical officer.  On 1 July 1964, your commanding officer recommended your discharge with a general characterization of service by reason of unsuitability.  On 16 July 1964, the discharge authority approved and directed your discharge, type warranted by your service record by reason of unsuitability.  On 31 July 1964, you were discharge with a general characterization of service.  At the time of your discharge your overall trait average (OTA) was 2.5. 
 
The Board carefully weighed all potentially mitigating factors, such as your desire to upgrade your discharge and your contentions that you were young and immature and dealing with the death of your girlfriend.  In regard to your contentions, the Board considered your youth and immaturity as factors in your behavior but concluded that the severity of your misconduct outweighed your current desire to upgrade your discharge.  Further, the Board noted your overall trait average (OTA) was 2.5, which was below the OTA of 3.0 required at the time of your separation for a fully honorable characterization of service.  The Board, in its review, determined you were assigned the appropriate characterization of service, and discerned no probable material error or injustice in the discharge. 
 
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.