Summary
A 51-year-old federal contractor was denied a security clearance based on concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct), Guideline F (Financial Considerations), Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption), and Guideline H (Drug Involvement). The denial stemmed from psychological evaluations that diagnosed the applicant with alcohol use disorder, stimulant use disorder, and delusional disorder.
The administrative judge determined that these conditions impaired the applicant's judgment and reliability. Specific concerns included the applicant's lack of candor, as he provided inconsistent and deliberately false or misleading information to mental health professionals regarding his mental health and substance use history.
Despite a favorable financial history, the cumulative impact of the diagnosed disorders, the applicant's lack of candor, and a poor prognosis for ongoing security worthiness led to the denial of his security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant was diagnosed with alcohol use disorder, stimulant use disorder, and delusional disorder, which impaired his judgment and reliability.
- The applicant exhibited a lack of candor and provided inconsistent statements regarding his mental health and substance use history.
- The psychological evaluations indicated a poor prognosis for the applicant's ongoing security worthiness.
Conditions Referenced
- 28(b)appliedPsychological ConditionsAn opinion by a duly qualified mental health professional that the individual has a condition that may impair judgment, stability, reliability, or trustworthiness.
- 16(b)appliedPersonal ConductDeliberately providing false or misleading information, or concealing or omitting information, concerning relevant facts to a mental health professional.
- 16(c)appliedPersonal ConductCredible adverse information in several adjudicative areas that supports a whole-person assessment of unreliability and lack of candor.
- 22(d)appliedAlcohol ConsumptionDiagnosis by a duly qualified medical or mental health professional of alcohol use disorder.
- 25(d)appliedDrug Involvement and Substance MisuseDiagnosis by a duly qualified medical or mental health professional of substance use disorder.
Key Rule Quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedApr 30, 2018
- Answer filed—
- Hearing heldNov 29, 2018
- Decision dateSep 12, 2019
Cite For
- Denial Based on Psychological Conditions Affecting Judgment and Reliability
- Lack of Candor in Disclosures to Mental Health Professionals
- Impact of Substance Use Disorders on Security Clearance Eligibility