DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF NAVAL RECORDS 701 S. COURTHOUSE ROAD, SUITE 1001 ARLINGTON, VA 22204-2490 Dockt No. 3275-21 Ref: Signature Date Dear , This is in reference to your application for correction of your naval record pursuant to Section 1552 of Title 10, United States Code. After careful and conscientious consideration of relevant portions of your naval record and your application, the Board for Correction of Naval Records (Board) found the evidence submitted insufficient to establish the existence of probable material error or injustice. Consequently, your application has been denied. A three-member panel of the Board, sitting in executive session, considered your application on 10 June 2021. 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 Navy in March 2010. In June 2018, you were diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder after a miscarriage. You were later hospitalized in November 2018 and diagnosed with Schizoaffective Disorder. This diagnosis formed the basis of a medical board and Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) finding that you were unfit for continued naval service. Based on your PEB findings, you were released from active duty on 27 September 2019 and transferred to the Temporary Disability Retirement List with a 100% disability rating. On 13 January 2021, you filed for Combat Related Special Compensation (CRSC) based on hazardous duty and conditions simulating war. Your request was denied by the CRSC Board on 15 April 2021 based on lack of evidence that your Schizoaffective Disorder was caused by combat-related events. The Board carefully considered your arguments that you deserve CRSC. You assert that you are entitled to CRSC based on your Schizoaffective Disorder. Unfortunately, the Board disagreed with your rationale for relief. Section 1413a of Title 10, United States Code, provides the statutory authority for payment of CRSC. Based on procedures and criteria prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, it allows for payment of CRSC for combat-related disabilities incurred as a direct result of armed conflict, while engaged in hazardous service, in the performance of duty under conditions simulating war, or through an instrumentality of war. In addition, CRSC may be awarded if a disability is attributable to an injury for which a Purple Heat is awarded. The Office of the Under Secretary of Defense issued a Directive Type Memorandum on 27 April 2004 that provided guidance on CRSC. Additionally, Department of Defense Regulation 7000.14-R (Financial Management Regulation) was issued that also addressed CRSC. In reviewing the evidence in your case, the Board concluded the preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding that you met any of the criteria for payment of CRSC. Based on the medical evidence in your record, the Board concluded that your Schizoaffective Disorder was not incurred a direct result of armed conflict, while engaged in hazardous service, in the performance of duty under conditions simulating war, or through an instrumentality of war. The Board determined, it was more likely than not, that your Schizoaffective Disorder originated in 2018 as a result of your miscarriage and the resulting trauma associated with the tragic event. As a result, the Board found no basis to grant you CRSC under any of the eligibility categories contained in Section 1413a of Title 10, United States Code. Accordingly, the Board found insufficient evidence of error or injustice to warrant a change to your record. The Board determined that your personal appearance, with or without counsel, would not materially add to their understanding of the issues involved. Therefore, the Board determined that a personal appearance was not necessary and considered your case based on the evidence of record. 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, 6/11/2021 Deputy Director