Docket No: 8930-19  
Ref: Signature Date  
From:Chairman, Board for Correction of Naval Records  
To:  Secretary of the Navy  


Ref: (a) 10 U.S.C. §1552 

Encl:(1) DD Form 149 

1.  Pursuant to the provisions of the reference, Petitioner, a former enlisted Sailor, filed the enclosure with this Board, requesting her narrative reason for separation be changed. Petitioner's allegations of error and injustice on 21 April 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 the Petitioner’s naval 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 regulations within the Department of the Navy. 

b.  Petitioner enlisted in the Navy and began a period of active duty on 17 September 1981.  On 24 September 1981, Petitioner was evaluated by medical for complaints of left lower back, left hip, left knee, and left ankle pain.  Petitioner related history of significant back pain since age 13 and several chiropractic back manipulations.  Petitioner was prescribed medication, placed on light duty, and referred to podiatry.  On 30 September 1981, Petitioner related reduction of lower back pain, but she was still experiencing left hip, knee, and ankle pain.  On 9 October 1981, Petitioner was still experiencing left hip and leg pain and a swollen left knee and ankle.  Petitioner was again prescribed medication and placed on light duty.  On 13 October 1981, Petitioner was seen by a podiatrist.  On 23 October 1981, Petitioner referred to an orthopedic specialist and diagnosed with chondromalacia patella, left quadriceps weakness, and pes planus, all of which existed prior to entry on active duty.  On 4 November 1981, a medical board recommended separation.  Petitioner was present at the medical board and elected not to make a statement or rebuttal. On 12 November 1981, Petitioner was discharged with an honorable characterization of service with the narrative reason for separation “Physical Condition, Not a Disability, Interfering w/Performance of Duty.” 

c.  Petitioner asserts she did not have a physical condition prior to entering the Navy and served her country in good faith. 

CONCLUSION Upon review and consideration of all the evidence of record, the Board finds the existence of an injustice warranting relief. 

RECOMMENDATION 
In view of the above, the Board directs the following corrective action: 

Petitioner’s naval record be corrected by changing the narrative reason for separation to “Secretarial Authority.” 

Petitioner be issued a new DD Form 214. That no further action be granted. A copy of this report of proceedings be filed in Petitioner’s naval record. That upon request, the Department of Veterans Affairs is informed that Petitioner’s application was received by the Board on 13 September 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. 






ELIZABETH A. HILL Executive Director Signed by: HILL.ELIZABETH.ANNE.1106915438