Docket No: 532-20 
Ref: Signature Date 

Dear  
 
This is in reference to your application for correction of your naval record pursuant to Section 1552 of Title 10, United States Code.  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.    
 
A three-member panel of the Board, sitting in executive session, considered your application on 16 February 2021.  The names and votes of the members of the panel will be furnished upon request.  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, relevant portions of your naval record, and applicable statutes, regulations, and policies, as well as the 16 January 2020 advisory opinion (AO) furnished by the Marine Corps Performance Evaluation Review Board (PERB).  The AO was provided to you on 16 January 2020, and you were given 30 days in which to submit a response.  When you did not provide a response, your case was submitted to the Board for consideration.  
 
The Board carefully considered your request to remove your fitness report for the reporting period 5 March 2019 to 10 April 2019.  The Board considered your contention that your menstrual cycle was the reason you were out of Marine Corps standards.  You claim that the reporting period was the only time you were out of standards, your fitness reports consistently show body fact percentage between 25 and 26 percent, and after returning to your unit your body fat was 26 percent. 
 
The Board, however, substantially concurred with the AO that your fitness report is valid and should be retained as filed.  In this regard, the Board noted that the Marine Corps Performance Evaluation System (PES) Manual and Marine Corps Body Composition and Military Appearance Program Manual do not reference or recognize menstrual cycles when determining body fat.  The Board determined that your menstrual cycle is not a basis to waive Marine Corps body fat standards or to remove your fitness report.  Accordingly, the Board concluded that there is no probable material error, substantive inaccuracy, or injustice warranting corrective action.  
 
You are entitled to have the Board reconsider its decision upon 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, 
2/25/2021
Deputy Director