DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY 

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

Docket No. 9831-16 

JUL 03 2017 

Dear [NAME REDACTED]

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 I June 2017. 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 ofyour 
application, together with all material submitted in support thereof, your naval record and 
applicable statutes, regulations and policies. 

A review of your record shows you entered active duty with the Marine Corps in September 
1968 and served until your placement on the Temporary Disability Retirement List in April 
1991. You applied for Combat Related Special Compensation (CRSC) for a number ofdisability 
conditions rated by the Department ofVeterans Affairs (VA) but were specifically denied CRSC 
for Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation by the CRSC Board on 11 May 2016 due to lack of 
evidence that your condition was caused by a specific combat-related event. 

The Board carefully considered your arguments that you deserve CRSC for your PostInflamrnatory 
Hyperpigmentation condition. You assert your condition qualifies based on the 
VA's determination that your condition was incurred in the Republic of Vietnam. Unfortunately, 
the Board disagreed with your rationale for relief. Specifically, the Board was unable to find 
evidence that your condition was caused by a specific combat-related event. The fact your 
condition was incurred in a combat zone while performing combat related activities did not 
establish that your disability was incurred as a direct result of armed conflict based on applicable 
CRSC guidelines. The Board felt that your condition was not caused by a single combat related 
event and ultimately could not find sufficient evidence to warrant overturning the decision ofthe 
CRSC Board. Similarly, the Board determined your skin condition did not qualify for CRSC 
based on potential exposure to Agent Orange. As explained in the CRSC Board's decision letter, 
your condition is not recognized as a potential outcome due to exposure to Agent Orange. 
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 regretted 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