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ARMY | BCMR | CY1997 | 9710881A
Original file (9710881A.rtf) Auto-classification: Denied
APPLICANT REQUESTS: Reconsideration of his previous request to correct his records to reflect award of the Purple Heart.
APPLICANT STATES : In effect, his DD Form 214 (report of separation) should reflect he was wounded with burns in the neck and face. That he is trying to raise his service connection and just realized he has no Purple Heart.

NEW EVIDENCE OR INFORMATION : Incorporated herein by reference are military records which were summarized in a memorandum prepared to reflect the Board's original consideration of his case on 16 October 1885. (COPY ATTACHED).

The applicant submits copies of service medical record documents and a statement to the effect that the official medical report dated 1 November 1950 erroneously indicates he received burns of the face and hands when attempting to remove a cap from a water tank. He states when the sergeant asked for a can, he leaned forward to pick up the can and something hit him in the face that caused his face and hand to be burned. He also submits copies of medical records, medical notes, and prescriptions resulting from doctor visits in the last two years. He also submits a copy of an SGO record for a World War II soldier.

A health record research project, commonly referred to as the "SGO Files", involved transposing the hospital admission card data from the periods of World War II and the Korean conflict onto magnetic tape. In 1988 the National Research Council made these tape files available to the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC). The availability of the information to the NPRC received considerable publicity by the various veterans service organizations. It was widely believed that these tapes would become a valuable substitute for the records lost in the NPRC fire of 1973. An SGO File record already in the applicants reconstructed record confirms that he was considered a non-battle (accidental) casualty.`

DISCUSSION : Considering all the evidence, allegations,
and information presented by the applicant, together
with the evidence of record, applicable law and
regulations, it is concluded:

1. Aside from the applicant’s assertions and recent medical records/opinion based on such assertions, there is no available evidence to show that the applicants service medical records are in error.

2. The SGO files confirm the validity of the applicant’s service medical records.

3. Considering the entirety of the case, including the latest submissions and arguments, there is insufficient basis for the Board to reverse its previous decision.

4. In view of the foregoing, there is no basis for
granting the applicant's request.

DETERMINATION : The applicant has failed to submit
sufficient relevant evidence to demonstrate the
existence of probable error or injustice.


BOARD VOTE :

GRANT

GRANT FORMAL HEARING

DENY APPLICATION




                                                      Karl F. Schneider
                                                      Acting Director

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