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

Docket No. 6018-19 
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. 

A three-member panel of the Board for Correction of Naval Records, sitting in executive session, considered your application on 11 October 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.  In addition, the Board considered the advisory opinion contained in Commander, Navy personnel Command memo of 23 August 2019. 

On 30 October 1963, you married Subject.  On 31 August 1980, Subject was transferred to the Fleet Reserve.  On 9 April 1993, Subject died. 

You requested to verify your eligibility for any survivors’ benefits or the Servicemen’s Group Life Insurance program; the Board, in its review of your entire record and application, carefully weighed all potentially mitigating factors, to include your assertions. However, the Board concluded that there is no evidence that Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) monthly premiums had been made or deducted from your late husband’s retirement account and therefore lead to the determination that no SBP election was made by him prior to his retirement. Furthermore, per DoD 7000.14R FMR Volume 7B, Chapter 43, prior to 1 March 1986, members who retired did not have to have spousal concurrence to decline coverage or to elect coverage at less than the full amount.  Regarding payment of a claim for Veterans Group Life Insurance should be directed to the Office of the Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance at 1-800-419-1473. 

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, 


2/11/2020