JRE
	Docket No. 00306—07
	15 January 2008

This is in reference to your application foi correction of yoci 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 10 January 2008. 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, your naval record and applicable statutes, regulations and policies.

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

The Board found that you underwent a pre-enlistment physical examination on 30 November 1967, and reported a history of stuttering and/or stammering. You enlisted in the Navy on 6 June 1968. On 6 February 1969 a board of medical survey determined that you were unfit for service because of a severe speech disorder that existed prior to your enlistment and was not aggravated by your service. The report of the board of medical survey indicates that you had a history of stuttering which began when you were five years of age. The disorder was exacerbated by anxiety, anger, tension and excitement, and it rendered you unfit for service. You were honorably discharged
from the Navy on 4 March 1969, without entitlement to disability benefits, in accordance with the approved findings and recommendation of the board of medical survey. On 14 October 1970 and 21 September 2005, the Department of Veterans Affairs denied your request for service connection for stuttering.

As it is clear that your speech disorder existed prior to your enlistment, there is no basis for amending your record to show that the disorder was incurred during your period of naval service as you requested. 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 PFIEFFER
								Executive Director