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ISCR Case ADP Case No. 23-00367 — CASE

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ISCR Case ADP Case No. 23-00367

A decided public DOHA case, shown for research — not advice or a prediction.

Case Profile
Decision Date5/13/2025
Statusdenied
LevelAPPEAL
TypeADP POSITION
Participants
Applicant Representation: Pro Se
Judge: Catherine M. Engstrom, Moira D. Modzelewski, Allison Marie
Government Counsel: Andrea M. Corrales
Case Summary
The applicant, a man in his early 40s, sought a trustworthiness designation from the Department of Defense (DoD) but was denied due to concerns under Guideline H (Drug Involvement and Substance Misuse) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The Statement of Reasons (SOR) indicated that the applicant had used hallucinogenic mushrooms until June 2020 and continued to use marijuana since October 2020, with intentions to persist in both practices. Additionally, the SOR noted a delinquent lease account totaling approximately $25,000, which the applicant acknowledged but claimed was not his responsibility due to a potential charge-off.
The administrative judge found that the applicant admitted to his drug use and had no plans to cease, despite acknowledging the conflict with federal law. The applicant's financial situation was also scrutinized, as he had made no efforts to resolve the significant debt despite having available funds. The judge concluded that these factors raised substantial doubts about the applicant's national security eligibility. Upon appeal, the Appeal Board affirmed the judge's decision, stating that the applicant did not demonstrate any error in the initial ruling and that the evidence supported the conclusion that granting trustworthiness would not align with national security interests.
Guidelines Evaluated
- Guideline FFinancial Considerations · Against Applicant
- Guideline HDrug Involvement & Substance Misuse · Against Applicant
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Case Headnote

ISCR Case No. ADP Case No. 23-00367

deniedMay 13, 2025· Hon. Catherine M. Engstrom· appeal

Summary

This security clearance application was denied due to concerns under Guideline F (Financial Considerations) and Guideline H (Drug Involvement). The applicant, a man in his early 40s, admitted to using hallucinogenic mushrooms and marijuana, and indicated an intent to continue this drug use.

Additionally, the applicant acknowledged a significant delinquent debt of approximately $25,000. Despite having available funds, he made no effort to resolve this debt. These issues raised disqualifying conditions under both guidelines.

The judge found substantial doubt regarding the applicant's national security eligibility, supported by the record and precedent. Consequently, the appeal was denied, and the security clearance was not granted.

Why the Applicant Was Denied

The applicant admitted to using hallucinogenic mushrooms and marijuana, indicating an intention to continue such use.
The applicant acknowledged a significant delinquent debt of approximately $25,000 and made no effort to resolve it despite having available funds.

Conditions Referenced

Disqualifying

AG ¶ 25raisedDrug Involvement
AG ¶ 20raisedFinancial Considerations

Key Rule Quoted

“A trustworthiness determination will be granted only when "clearly consistent with the national security interests of the United States."”
— Kaplan v. Conyers, 733 F.3d 1148 (Fed. Cir. 2013)

Procedural Posture

SOR issuedJun 30, 2023
Answer filed—
Hearing held—
Decision dateMay 13, 2025Appeal affirmed.

Cite For

Substantial Doubt Regarding National Security Eligibility Due to Drug Involvement
Financial Irresponsibility Impacting Trustworthiness
Burden of Proof on the Applicant to Demonstrate Error on Appeal

Editorial summary generated for research. Not legal advice; not a prediction. Verify against the full decision before relying on any quoted language.

Full decision

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