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

Docket No: 2754-21 

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 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 24 May 2021. The names and votes of the panel members will be furnished upon request.  Your allegations of error or injustice were reviewed in accordance with administrative regulations and procedures applicable to the proceedings of the 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, applicable statutes, regulations, and policies. 
  
You enlisted in the U.S. Navy and began a period of active duty on 17 September 1948. On 30 August 1952, you were discharged with an honorable characterization of service.  Your DD 214 reflects the following type of separation: “Discharged” in block 7. 
   
The Board carefully reviewed your request to change the “Type of Separation” in block 7 on your DD 214 from “Discharged” to “Honorably Discharged.” The Board noted your contention that the word “Honorable” does not appear anywhere on your DD 214.” However, the Board further noted that your DD 214 does in fact list your “Character of Separation” as “Honorable” in the upper left hand corner of the document.  Furthermore, it is standard practice that all DD 214s list the specific type of separation in block 7 of the report of separation as an indication of the Service member’s type of release from military service.  The type of separation and characterization of separation are two uniquely different aspects of your military service.  You were discharged from the U.S. Navy with an Honorable characterization of service.  Block 7 of your DD 214 accurately depicts your type of separation as you were discharged from military service.  Accordingly, the Board determined that your request does not merit relief. 

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. 

Sincerely,
5/30/2021

Executive Director