DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY 

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

Docket No. 607-16 
OCT 17 2016 

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 i.nterest of 
justice to waive the statute of limitations 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 29 September 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 reentered active duty with the Marine Corps in August 

1981 after three years ofprior service that ended in 1980. On 23 November 1981, you were 
referred for a psychiatric evaluation due to several incidents ofdisorientation and unusual 
behavior. A psychiatric report was completed on 8 January 1982 that concluded that you 
demonstrated no over psychopathology and your erratic behavior was secondary to your drug 
intoxication. At the time of your psychiatric evaluation, admitted to regular marijuana use and 
tested positive for drug use. After refusing drug rehabilitation, you were discharge for 
unsuitability due to drug abuse with a General characterization of service. On 16 November 
1982, you were issued a 50% disability rating for Schizophrenia by the Department of Veterans 
Affairs (VA). 

The Board carefully considered your arguments that you should be placed on the Permanent 
Disability Retirement List for your Schizophrenia condition. Unfortunately, the Board did not 
agree with your rationale for relief. The Board concluded that there was insufficient evidence to 
show you suffered from symptoms of Schizophrenia at the time of your discharge based on the 8 
January 1982 psychiatric report that stated you showed no signs ofpsychopathy and your 
behaviors were the result ofdrug intoxication. Further, the Board felt that your regular drug use 
likely contributed to the deterioration ofyour mental health condition that led to your 
Schizophrenia diagnosis by the VA. 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 of the members ofthe 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 evidence 
within 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 presumption ofregularity 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, 


Executive Director