DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY 
BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF NAVAL RECORDS 701 S. COURTHOUSE ROAD, SUITE 1001 ARLINGTON, VA 22204-2490 
Docket No. 8331-15 
MAY 2 7 2016 

This is in reference to your application for correction of your naval record pursuant to the provisions of 10 USC 1552. 
A three-member panel ofthe Board for Correction ofNaval Records, sitting in executive session, considered your application on 12 May 2016. Your allegations of error and injustice were reviewed in accordance with administrative regulations and procedures applicable to the proceedings ofthis 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. 

A review ofyour record shows that you suffered from a hearing condition in August 2013 after firing your rifle on the range in preparation for deployment to Afghanistan. After returning from your deployment, you received treatment for hearing loss and tinnitus in February 2014. You filed for Combat Related Special Compensation (CRSC) for tinnitus and were denied on 2 March 2015 based on a finding that there was insufficient evidence to show that your condition was caused by specific combat-related events. 

The Board carefully considered your arguments that your tinnitus condition warrants CRSC. You provided evidence that shows you suffered hearing loss as a result ofyour combat deployment training and contend that substantiates that your condition was incurred in the performance ofduty under conditfons simulating war. Unfortunately, the Board disagreed with your rationale for relief. The Board felt there was insufficient evidence to establish that your tinnitus was a result of the August 2013 incident where you lost hearing in your left ear. The fact that the incident reduced your hearing, as evidenced by the audiogram testing, did not convince the Board that your tinnitus was similarly caused by the event. As pointed out in the CRSC decision, tinnitus can be caused by a number offactors including old age. Absent medical evidence that shows the 2013 incident caused your tinnitus condition, the Board felt it lack the evidence to overturn the decision ofthe CRSC Board. Accordingly, the Board was unable to find an error or injustice warranting a correction to your record and denied your application. Your request for a personal appearance before the Board has also been denied. The Board felt it 
had sufficient evidence to make a decision in your case and your presence was not required. The names and votes ofthe members ofthe panel will be furnished upon request. 

It is regretted that the circumstances ofyour case are such that favorable action cannot be taken. You are entitled to have the Board reconsider its decision upon submission ofnew evidence witlun one year from the date ofthe Board's decision. New evidence is evidence not previously considered by the Board prior to making its decision in this case. In this regard, it is important to keep in mind that a presUQlption ofregularity attaches to all official records. Cqnsequently, when applying for a correction ofan official naval record, the burden is on the applicant to demonstrate the existence ofprobable material error or injustice. 

Sincerely, 


Executive Director