DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY 
BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF NAVAL RECORDS 
701 S. COURTHOUSE ROAD, SUITE 1001 
ARLINGTON, VA 22204-2490 
 
Docket No: 4407-21 
Ref: Signature Date 

Dear Petitioner: 

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 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. 

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 application on its merits. A three-member panel of the Board, sitting in executive session, considered your application on 30 July 2021. The names and votes of the panel members 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 the 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, applicable statutes, regulations, and policies.
 
You enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and began a period of active duty on 4 March 1952. On 2 October 1952, you were assigned an 0844 Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) with your primary duty as a Field Artillery, Fire Control Man. On 15 March 1953, your assigned primary duty was that of a Surveyor. On 16 December 1954, you joined Headquarters and Support Battery,  Battalion, Marine Corps Base      with an 0844 MOS, and assigned a primary duty as a Surveyor until you were discharged on 3 March 1955 and transferred to inactive duty until your end of service obligation. 

The Board carefully reviewed your application and weighed all potentially mitigating factors to determine whether the interests of justice warrant relief in your case. These included, but were not limited to, your contentions that blocks “5” and “28” of your Certificate of Discharge or Release from Active Duty (DD 214) incorrectly list your specialty as “0844” and duty assignment as “Surveyor,” respectively. Your assert that you are filing a claim for bilateral hearing loss and the physician stated that “Surveyor” is not a military occupation that has been identified as a field associated with high noise exposure.
 
The Board noted you did not submit evidence to support your claim of error; however, the Board noted in reviewing your official military personnel file (OMPF), the DD 214 accurately lists your MOS as “0844” and primary duty assignment as “Surveyor” (enclosed). According to your record, your primary duties throughout your naval service included that of a Computer Operator, Artillery Weather Observer, and a Surveyor. Based upon this review, the Board concluded there was insufficient evidence to warrant relief. Specifically, the Board determined your MOS and primary duty assignment were accurately listed on your DD 214 given documented evidence in your service record. Accordingly, given the totality of the circumstances, the Board determined that your request does not merit relief. 

You are entitled to have the Board reconsider its decision upon the 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, 
8/20/2021