DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF NAVAL RECORDS
2 NAVY ANNEX
WASHINGTON DC 20370~5 100

JRE
Docket No. 06790-07
19 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.

A three-member panel of the Board for Correction of Naval Records, sitting in executive session, considered your application on 29 November 2007. 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 enlisted in the Navy on 1 October 2002. On 12 September 2006, a medical board gave you a diagnosis of narcolepsy without cataplexy and referred your case to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB). On 18 October 2006, the PEB made a preliminary finding that you were fit for duty. You accepted that finding on 25 October 2006 and your case was finalized by the President, PEB on 27 October 2006. On 19 March 2007, you were honorably discharged for the convenience of the government because of a condition which impaired your performance, but did not amount to a physical disability.

On 8 August 2007, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) awarded you disability ratings of 10% for reactive airway disease and narcolepsy, and 0% for sinusitis and nursemaid’s elbow. The VA determined that the narcolepsy did not affect your daily living, and noted that you did not fall asleep during the daytime or while driving. The VA awarded the 10% rating based on the confirmed diagnosis of narcolepsy and your need for continuous medication to control that condition.

The fact that you have received disability ratings from the VA is not probative of the existence of error or injustice in your naval record, because the VA awards disability ratings without regard to the issue of fitness for military service. It appears that you were discharged because you were considered unsuitable for further service because the narcolepsy rendered you non-deployable. It is important to note that a finding of nondeployability does not mandate a finding of unfitness for service by reason by reason of physical disability. Accordingly, and in the absence of evidence which demonstrates that the PEE erroneously determined that you were fit for duty, 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