DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY 
BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF NAVAL RECORDS 
701 S. COURTHOUSE ROAD, SUITE 1001 
ARLINGTON, VA 22204-2490 
Docket No. 1939-17 

Dear

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

A three-member panel of the Board for Correction of Naval Records, sitting in executive session, considered your application on 17 May 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 of your application, together with all material submitted in support thereof, your deceased husband's naval record and applicable statutes, regulations and policies. 

After careful and conscientious consideration of the entire record, the Board found that the evidence submitted was insufficient to establish the existence ofprobable material error or injustice. Per the Department of Defense Financial Management Regulation, Volume 7B, Chapter 42-46, a service member must elect or decline coverage under the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) before retired pay becomes payable. A declination ofSBP coverage is irrevocable. Written spousal concurrence is required when the member elects to decline coverage or provide the spouse with less than the maximum SBP coverage available. The signature ofthe spouse is witnessed to certify that the spouse knowingly signed the form. On 7 August 1997, you and your spouse declined SBP coverage and, therefore, no premiums were ever charged to your husband's retirement payments. A copy ofyour election form is enclosed for your review. Accordingly, your application has been denied. The names and votes ofthe members of the panel will be furnished upon request. 

It is regretted that the circumstances of your 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 of an official naval record, the burden is on the applicant to demonstrate the existence ofprobable material error or injustice. 

Sincerely, 

Executive Director