Expert: Jason Grabill - 1/4/2011

Question
I served from 91'-95', in the Corps. I have been throughout the World; seen it and done it all. Plus, I was certified in 4 mos's. That being said, I was afflicted with heatstroke (105.7) in Cuba.
                                                                I had been in the Corps for over three years, so I was little salty. Anyhow, after my episode of heatstroke, my entire World fell apart. I couldn't finish runs or humps anymore. Basically, I looked and felt like pansy, to say the least.
                                                           Approximately 3 weeks after the episode of heatstroke, I had an emergency appendectomy. Then approximately one week after that surgery, I was struck with a severe episode of PTSD; for which my immediate family was put in harm's way; while I was on medical leave.                                                                                                                         Anyhow, to make a long story short, after 16 years, I found out why my life has been in constant turmoil with reality.                                                         I sent a tactful letter to request the Board for Correction of Naval Records to adjust my SRB and DD-214 to a more Honorable fitting. After a year and a half, they sent me a letter, denying my request.                                                       I did not send them my medical records because I did not have them, yet. However, I have them now. The Board stated in the letter that they would reconsider my request with new evidence; I guess they mean my medical records, but it doesn't state, what they want. Basically, the letter just looks like a run of the mill letter, personally.                                      What I am asking from you is, what should I do, considering I have NO MONEY to hire an attorney to get my discharge and SRB, fixed? I am afraid that if I send in my medical records they will still deny me my justice that has so far evaded me. Maybe there are attorneys fimilar with the the Board for Corrections of Naval Records that will do a pro bono case. I have all the paperwork ready, plus the medical research.                            Semper Fi

Answer
Samuel:

 What sort of discharge did you receive?   The only thing the BCNR will do is correct an RE code that was issued 'in error' or incorrectly.  If you were discharged for medical reasons, and they were diagnosed at the time, then your records cannot be changed.  They won't change the code if you've now "gotten better" or the issues are no longer issues.  The code, and discharge, are based on what occurred at the time and not later events.  

 Without more information this is the best answer I can give.  I can also tell you that very, very, few people get the RE code changed, again, it has to have been issued incorrectly, (someone typing the wrong code) or absolutely in error, not backed up by the facts at the time.  

 Simply put, they do not change the codes except in rare circumstances, where you can prove the code that was issued was wrong.  

 That's the best information I can give based on what you've told me at this point.

Jason