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 19 December 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 in May 1964.  On 26 October 1965, you were seen in ophthalmology for loss of vision in your left eye.  You reported a cerebral concussion from an underwater explosion approximately 3.5 years prior and preservice treatment for loss of vision as a result of your exposure to the explosion.  A medical board diagnosed you with preexisting left eye Ambyopia on 5 January 1966 based on the medical history you provided and recommended you for separation for a disability condition that existed prior to your entry into the Marine Corps.  You were discharged on 18 February 1966 pursuant to the medical board findings with an Honorable characterization of service. 
 
The Board carefully considered your arguments that you were discharged wrongfully for a preexisting disability condition based on erroneous information relied upon by the medical board.  You assert you have no history of being exposed to an underwater explosion and entered the Marine Corps without a disability condition.  Unfortunately, the Board disagreed with your rationale for relief.  The Board determined the preponderance of the evidence supports the medical board finding that your left eye condition preexisted your entry into the Marine Corps.  Despite your assertions that you were not exposed to an underwater explosion or treated for a 
loss of vision prior to entering the Marine Corps, the Board concluded that the medical history contained in your military medical record was credible.  The 26 October 1965 ophthalmology report and the 5 January 1966 medical board report are consistent in their description of your preservice injury and treatment received prior to entering the Marine Corps.  In the Board’s opinion, medical histories are normally credible since patients want their medical providers to properly diagnose their medical symptoms.  Absent credible evidence that supports a finding that the Department of the Navy fabricated or erroneously recorded your medical history, the Board determined the preponderance of the evidence does not support the relief you seek.  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,