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

Docket No: 3161-19 
Ref: Signature Date 

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 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 14 May 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.  The Board also considered the advisory opinion (AO) furnished by the Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals that was previously provided to you.  Although you were provided a copy of the AO and an opportunity to submit a response, you did not do so.
 
You enlisted in the Navy and began a period of active duty on 28 January 1952. On 12 January 1956, you were released from the naval service with an honorable characterization of service for completion of required active service. 

The Board carefully weighed all potentially mitigating factors in your case, including your desire to be awarded the Rifle Marksmanship Ribbon (Sharpshooter) (RM) and your entitlement to a disability pay increase due to your rank and time of discharge.  In regard to your request for the Sharpshooter Ribbon, a review of your personnel records and available resources failed to verify your entitlement this ribbon.  In this regard, the Board substantially concurred with the comments contained in the AO, which states in part, to qualify for the Sharpshooter Ribbon, a service member must have scored a minimum of 268 to be qualified as Marksman on the rifle expert course. Since you did not achieve the minimum score, you are not entitled to the Sharpshooter Ribbon.  The Board concluded that your record does not fulfill the requirement for entitlement to the Rifle Marksmanship Ribbon (Sharpshooter) (RM). Regarding your concern about eligibility for disability, pay increase whether or not you are eligible for this benefit is a matter under the cognizance of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and you should contact the nearest office of VA concerning your right to apply for benefits.  If you have been denied benefits, you should appeal that denial under procedures established by the VA. 

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. 

Sincerely,