DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY 

BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF NAVAL RECORDS 
701 S. COURTHOUSE ROAD. SUITE 1001 
ARLINGTON, VA 22204-2490 

Docket No. 3919-16 

JUL 21 2017 


Dear 

This is in reference to your application for correction of your naval record pursuant to the 
provisions of 10 USC 1552. 

Although your application was not filed in a timely manner, the Board found it in the interest of 
justice to waive the statute oflimitations and consider your case on its merits. A three-member 
panel ofthe Board for Correction ofNaval Records, sitting in executive session, considered your 
application on 2017. Your allegations oferror and injustice were reviewed in accordance with 
administrative regulations and procedures applicable to the proceedings ofthis Board. 
Documentary material considered by the Board consisted ofyour application, together with all 
material submitted in support thereof, your naval record and applicable statutes, regulations and 
policies. The Board also considered the advisory opinion contained in ChiefBUMED ltr 5740 
Ser M34/16UM36107of19 Apr 2017; a copy ofwhich was provided to you for comment. 

A review of your record shows that you entered active duty with the Marine Corps in February· 
1982. In 1985, you were seen for intraocular eye pressure that was potentially glaucoma. 
However, your medication was discontinued when no evidence ofglaucoma was found. In 
February 1986, you were discharged at the completion of your required active service and issued 
a RE-IA reentry code. In 2014, the Department ofVeterans Affairs issued you a 10% disability 
rating for glaucoma. You also provided a 2014 medical opinion that your glaucoma condition 
existed prior to your discharge. 

The Board carefully considered your arguments that you deserve a disability discharge as a result 
ofyour glaucoma condition. Unfortunately, the Board disagreed with your rationale for relief 
Specifically, the Board concluded that there was insufficient medical evidence to support the 
opinion provided by your medical provider that your glaucoma condition existed while you were 
on active duty. The Board relied upon the medical evidence in your military medical record and 
substantially concurred with the advisory opinion contained in ChiefBUMED ltr 5740 Ser 
M34/16UM36107of19 Apr 2017. In addition, the Board lacked evidence to support a finding 
that you were unfit for continued naval service due to glaucoma. Even if you were suffering 
from the condition, there was no evidence that showed you suffered an occupational impairment 
sufficient to prevent you from performing duties in the Marine Corps. Based on these two 
findings, the Board concluded it could not support relief in your case. Accordingly, the Board 
was unable to find an error or injustice warranting a correction to your record and denied your 
application. The names and votes ofthe members ofthe panel will be furnished upon request. 

Regarding your request for a personal appearance, the Board determined that a personal 
appearance with or without counsel will not materially add to their understanding ofthe issue(s) 
involved. Therefore, the Board determined that a personal appearance was not necessary and 
considered your case based on the evidence ofrecord. 

It is regrett'ed that the circumstances ofyour case are such that favorable action cannot be taken 
at this time. You are entitled to have the Board reconsider its decision upon the submission of 
new and material evidence. New evidence is evidence not previously considered by the Board. 
In this regard, it is important to keep in mind that a presumption ofregularity attaches to all 
official records. Consequently, 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