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 17 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.   
 
A review of your record shows that you entered service with the Marine Corps Reserve in September 1980.  During your service, you were diagnosed and treated for Pseudofolliculitis Barbae.  You were eventually released from your obligated service on 27 February 1984.  On 2 May 2018, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) rated you for your Pseudofolliculitis Barbae at 0%. 
 
The Board carefully considered your arguments that you deserve a change to your narrative reason for separation to disability based on your diagnosed Pseudofolliculitis Barbae condition.  Unfortunately, the Board disagreed with your rationale for relief.  SECNAVINST 1850.4, Appendix A, Para 7 lists Pseudofolliculitis Barbae as a condition not considered a ratable physical disability under the military disability evaluation system.  Based on this regulation, the Board concluded your Pseudofolliculitis Barbae condition did not qualify as a disability condition for military disability purposes.  The fact the VA rated you for a disability condition identified, by Department of Defense policy, as a condition not considered a disability did not persuade the Board an error or injustice exists in your record since the VA operates under different statutes/regulations and their post-discharge decisions are not binding on the military.  Accordingly, the Board found insufficient evidence of error or injustice to warrant a change to your record.   
 
Regarding your request for a personal appearance, the Board determined that a personal appearance with or without counsel will not materially add to their understanding of the issue(s) involved.  Therefore, the Board determined that a personal appearance was not necessary and considered your case based on the evidence of 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.