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

Docket No. 541-18 
AUG 05 2018 

Dear 

This is in reference to your application for correction ofyour naval record pursuant to the 
provisions of 10 USC 1552. After careful and conscientious consideration ofthe entire record, 
the Board found the evidence submitted was insufficient to establish the existence ofprobable 
material error or injustice. Consequently, your application has been denied. 

Although your application was not filed in a timely manner, the Board found it in the interest of 
justice to waive the statute of limitations and consider your case on its merits. A three-member 
panel of the Board for Correction of Naval Records, sitting in executive session, considered your 
application on 7 June 2018. The names and votes ofthe members ofthe panel will be furnished 
upon request Your allegations oferror and injustice were reviewed in accordance with 
administrative regulations and procedures applicable to the proceedings of this Board. 
Documentary material considered by the Board consisted ofyour application, together with all 
material submitted in support thereof, relevant portions of your naval record and applicable 
statutes, regulations and policies. 

A review ofyour record shows that you entered active duty with the Marine Corps in November 
1965. On 6 February 1966, you were admitted to the Naval Hospital for acute respiratory 
disease symptoms. A medical history revealed that you were hospitalized for seven months due 
to rheumatic fever at age 15 and suffered a relapse in September 1965 prior to commencing 
active duty. Based on this medical history and a finding that you were symptomatic for a related 
heart murmur, a medical board recommended your administrative separation for failing to meet 
induction standards. You were discharged on 15 April 1966 consistent with the medical board 
recommendation and you were issued a General characterization ofservice based on two nonjudicial 
punishments received during your briefperiod ofservice. 

The Board carefully considered your arguments that you deserve military disability benefits 
based on the Marine Corps decision to allow you to enlist and the worsening ofyour condition 
since your discharge. Unfortunately, the Board disagreed with your rationale for relief. The 
Board concluded that the Marine Corps' decision to administratively separate you for failing to 
meet induction standards was proper based on your preexisting aortic· valve condition that was 
causing heart murmurs. The Board felt there was strong objective medical evidence to support a 
finding that your condition preexisted your entry into the Marine Corps and that your conditions 
was not aggravated by service. The later finding was supported by evidence that you were 
symptomatic only two months prior to entering active duty. Based on these findings, the Board 
concluded that you were appropriately discharged from the Marine Corps without disability 
benefits. 

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 evidenc~ is evidence not previously considered by the Board. 
In this regard, it is important to keep in mind that a presumption of regularity 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,