Document: 341 U.S. 37 71 S.Ct. 547 95 L.Ed. 726 Colonel ROBERTSON, President, Army Review Boardv.CHAMBERS. No. 295. Argued March 1, 1951. Decided April 9, Mr. Oscar H. Davis, Washington, D.C., for petitioner. Russell Bishop, respondent. Justice DOUGLAS delivered the opinion of Court. 1 Respondent, a former captain in Army, was honorably discharged physical disability and without retirement pay, as result decision by an Retiring Board. Respondent applied to Disability Board review that action. The held respondent not entitled pay. having requested rehearing, allowed examine record on which rehearing would be based. He discovered contained certain medical reports Veterans Administration concerning his condition. remove those from record. refused. thereupon instituted this mandamus proceeding seeking mandatory injunction directing President exclude District Court dismissed complaint. Appeals reversed. 87 U.S.App.D.C. 91, 183 F.2d 144. case is here certiorari, 340 889, 205. 2 principal question relates provision § 302(a) Servicemen's Readjustment Act 1944, 58 Stat. 287, 59 623, 38 U.S.C. 693i(a), U.S.C.A. describes scope follows: 'Such shall based upon all available service records relating officer requesting such review, other evidence may presented officer.' contends term 'service records' means military man has rendered time entry into until discharge. That view Appeals. We, however, think otherwise. 3 Section grants 'the same powers exercised by, or vested in, board whose findings are being reviewed.' R.S. 1248, 10 963, says 'inquire determine facts touching nature occasion any who appears incapable performing duties office, have court-martial court inquiry necessary purpose.' 4 These been given wide reach, so cause ascertained. Their broad character will not, course, override specific effect 'review records', etc. But granted under 1248 relevance arguments pressed us against reading narrowly. 5 construed regulations liberal fashion, narrow stifling way. Thus Adjutant General required furnish with 'originals certified copies complete history, official affecting health had condition officer.'1 oral examination purpose 'of making full discovery condition.'2 hearings contests; they inquiries disability. get at truth matter.3 6 history following often great importance Board, since statute limitations governs long one. Requests made within 15 years after June 22, whichever later. 302(b). Medical therefore highly pertinent inquiry. Plainly authority introduce evidence; it he do if favorable. We hesitate construction forecloses considering when unfavorable.4 Yet we more harmony procedure, inquiry, construe broadly enough include these reports. 7 issue were government transmitted incorporated department's files. They became part pertaining service. conclude meaning 302(a). 8 Reversed. Reg. 605—250, Mar. 28, par. 3a. Id. 21. governing granted. provide 'all Department and/or applicant.' 32 CFR 581.1(a)(2)(iii). And see note infra. promulgated govern proceedings restricted cramped construction. authorize 'to receive additional bearing causes service-connection (the disability)' limitation. 581.1(a)(1)(iii). Indeed empower make its own retired hearing. 581.1(b)(2)(v).

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