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

Docket No: 1602-19 
Ref: Signature Date 

Dear 

This is in reference to your application of 1 April 2019 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 that 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 application on its merits.  A three-member panel of the Board, sitting in executive session, considered your application on 3 March 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. 

You enlisted and began a period of active service in the Marine Corps on 18 December 1945.  According to the information in your record, on 30 January 1946, you were injured as a result of slipping on a wet deck and striking your head sustaining a head laceration.  On 8 November 1947, you received an honorable discharge due to end of enlistment obligation. 

The Board carefully weighed all potentially mitigating factors in your case, including your medical records and your desire to have your head injury documented on your Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214).  In this regard, a thorough review of your official military personnel file (OMPF) and your medical records, confirm that you did sustain a head laceration due to slipping on a wet deck.  However, this information is not required to be listed on your DD Form 214 unless the injury was a result of participating in a combat operation.  The record shows that your injury did not result from an engagement or involvement during a combat operation.  The Board also noted that your injury is properly documented in your medical records. 

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 the 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. 

Sincerely,