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

Docket No. 4547-19 
Ref: Signature Date 

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 26 September 2019.  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 on 25 February 1977.  You were diagnosed with a nervous bladder after urinating on yourself and reporting a problem controlling your bladder.  On 6 April 1977, you were referred to an Aptitude Board after displaying an inability to understand and perform daily military tasks.  The Aptitude Board recommended you be separated for unsuitability on 8 April 1977 leading to your discharge on 12 April 1977 for unsuitability.  

The Board carefully considered your arguments that you deserve a change to your narrative reason for separation to disability.  You assert that your bladder control condition was unfitting and should have been the basis for your discharge.  Unfortunately, the Board disagreed with your rationale for relief. First, the Board found insufficient evidence to support a finding that you were unfit for continued naval service due to your nervous bladder condition.  There was only one treatment record for your condition which did not indicate a referral to a medical board was appropriate.  Second, the Board also concluded that your condition likely existed prior to your entry into the Marine Corps based on your treatment history which documented you had a history of controlling your bladder.  Third, the Board concluded you were properly discharged for inaptitude based on your inability to perform routine military tasks.  While your bladder control issues were included in your Aptitude Board record, the Board determined that the primary reason for your release from the Marine Corps was your inability to adapt to the military environment and not your bladder issues.  Accordingly, 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. 
  
Sincerely, 


10/5/2019