DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF NAVAL RECORDS
2 NAVY ANNEX
WASHINGTON DC 20370-5100

				    JRE
Docket No. 00910-04
13 August 2004

This is in reference to your application for correction of your naval record pursuant to the provisions of title 10 of the United States Code, section 1552.

A three-member panel of the Board for Correction of Naval Records, sitting in executive session, considered your application on 29 July 2004. 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 matrial submitted in support thereof, . your naval record and applicable statutes, regulations and policies.

After careful and conscientious consideration of the record, the Board found that the evidence submitted was insufficient to establish the existence of probable material error or injustice.

The Board was unable to accept your contention to the effect that you suffered from an ear infection while serving on active duty in the Marine Corps, and that the infection caused a perforation of your eardrum that was present when you were released from active duty on 26 February 1956. In this regard, the Board noted that you were found to have normal hearing on 14 February 1956, when you underwent a pre-separation physical examination, and that your ears, to include the interior and exterior ear canals, and eardrums, were assessed as normal. Accordingly, your application has been denied. The names and votes of the members of the panel will be furnished upon request.

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 and material evidence or other matter not previously 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,

W. DEAN PFEIFFER
Executive Director