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

JRE
Docket No. 00841-07
11 January 2008

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. You requested, in effect, that your record be corrected to show that you were discharged by reason of physical disability due to unfitting conditions of your feet.

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 served on active duty in the Navy from 7 September 2001 to 20 September 2006, when you were honorably discharged because of you failure to meet physical standards. You were approximately six feet tall and weighed in excess of 240 lbs. on the date of discharge. On 5 January 2007, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) granted you service connection and a 10% disability rating for ringing in your ears, and denied your request for service connection and disability compensation for eight other claimed disabilities. The VA denied your request f or service connection for plantar fasciitjs, pes planus and associated foot pain because the VA examiner could not find any pathology upon which to base a ratable diagnosis.

Although you suffered from foot pain while serving in the Navy, there is no evidence that you were unfit to reasonably perform the duties of your rate by reason of physical disability. In addition, the Board rejected you unsubstantiated contention to the effect that you would have met prescribed physical standards if you had received proper treatment of your painful feet. 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