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  4 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. 
 
A review of your record shows that you entered active duty with the Navy in June 2019.  A medical board referred you to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) in January 2020 after diagnosing you with Pigmentary Retinal Dystrophy, a progressive genetic disorder that includes symptoms of night blindness and loss of vision.  On 3 April 2020, the PEB found you unfit for continued naval service due to your condition that was determined to be preexisting.  After you requested a formal hearing, the formal PEB affirmed the informal PEB findings.  You subsequently filed a Petition for Relief that was denied on 15 December 2020.  You were discharged on 21 April 2021 pursuant to your PEB findings. 
 
The Board carefully considered your arguments that you would like to be found fit for active service.  You assert that you are capable of performing military duties that would not be hampered by your disability condition.  Unfortunately, the Board disagreed with your rationale for relief.   
 
A finding of unfitness is required when a service member is unable to perform the duties of their office, grade, rank or rating as a result of a qualifying disability condition. Alternatively, a member may be found unfit if their disability represents a decided medical risk to the health or the member or to the welfare or safety of other members; or the member’s disability imposes unreasonable requirements on the military to maintain or protect the member.  In your case, the Board concurred with the findings of the formal PEB that your disability condition imposes an unreasonable requirement on the military to protect you and the safety of other service members.  While you may be able to perform certain duties adapted specifically to accommodate your disability condition, the Board concluded that the progressive nature of your loss of vision would eventually create a burden too great for the Navy to maintain your safety and the safety of others affected by your military duties.  Therefore, while the Board appreciates your willingness to continue your military service, the Board determined your PEB findings remain appropriate.  Accordingly, the Board found insufficient evidence of error or injustice to warrant a change to your record.   
 
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,    
 
2/5/2021
Deputy Director