Dear ,  
 
This is in reference to your application for correction of your naval record pursuant to Title 10, United States Code, Section 1552.  After careful and conscientious consideration of the entire record, the Board for Correction of Naval Records (Board) found the evidence submitted was insufficient to establish the existence of probable 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 13 February 2020.  The names and votes of the members of the panel will be furnished upon request.  Your allegations of error 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 of your application, together with all material submitted in support thereof, relevant portions of your naval record and applicable statutes, regulations and policies.   
 
A review of your record shows that you entered active duty with the Marine Corps in August 1965.  On 27 July 1966, you were treated onboard  for right hand cellulitis caused by an inflammation of your second knuckle on your right hand.  After treatment, you were released back to duty on 16 August 1966.  You were discharged from the Marine Corps on 29 August 1968 at the expiration of your enlistment with an Honorable characterization of service. 
 
The Board carefully considered your arguments that your 27 July 1966 chronology of medical care is erroneous.  You assert that you were misquoted by medical personnel at the time of your treatment and, in fact, your right hand injury was due to shrapnel from a mortar round.  Unfortunately, the Board disagreed with your rationale for relief.  In reviewing the evidence in your case, the Board concluded the preponderance of the evidence supports the 27 July 1966 chronology of medical care contained in your record.  Despite your assertion that the source of your cellulitis was due to shrapnel versus a scraping, the Board felt a medical document prepared contemporaneously with your treatment was more credible.  Additionally, the Board found no evidence to support your allegation that you were misquoted by medical personnel in 1966.  Evidence that you may have been involved in combat operations prior to sustaining your injury did not convince the Board that your right hand injury was the result of shrapnel since you could have easily scraped your knuckle during combat operations as well.  Absent additional evidence that shows the 27 July 1966 chronology of medical care erroneously documents the source of your cellulitis, the Board found insufficient evidence of error or injustice to warrant a change to your record.   
 
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 matters, which will require you to complete and submit a new DD Form 149.  New matters are those not previously presented to or 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 of probable material error or injustice.