Summary
A 35-year-old field services technician was denied a security clearance under Guideline F (Financial Considerations) and Guideline I (Psychological Conditions). The denial stemmed from unresolved psychological issues and significant financial debts, which the judge determined raised serious concerns about the applicant's trustworthiness and reliability.
Under Guideline F, the applicant was indebted for four defaulted student loans totaling $23,246, an apartment complex debt of $1,895, a collection agency debt of $493, an unpaid utility account of $275, and two unpaid medical accounts totaling approximately $390. The applicant failed to demonstrate a good-faith effort in addressing these financial obligations.
Regarding Guideline I, the applicant had a history of psychological issues, including hospitalizations in 1999 and 2002 for suicide ideation and manic behavior. Diagnoses over the years included Bipolar Disorder, General Anxiety Disorder, Severe Psychotic tendencies, Social Phobia, Alcohol Dependence, Cannabis Dependence, and Polysubstance Dependence. In December 2017, diagnoses included Bipolar I Disorder (in partial remission), Alcohol Use Disorder (in remission), Cannabis Use Disorder (mild), and Social Anxiety Disorder. The applicant had not received professional treatment for these issues since 2011, and his condition was deemed not fully under control, negatively impacting his judgment and trustworthiness.
Why the applicant was denied
- The applicant's psychological evaluation indicated that his mental status negatively impacts his judgment and trustworthiness.
- The applicant failed to demonstrate a good-faith effort in addressing his financial obligations, including defaulted student loans and other debts.
- The applicant has not received professional treatment for his psychological issues since 2011, and his condition was deemed not fully under control.
Conditions referenced
- AG ¶ 28(a)appliedBehavior That Casts Doubt on Judgment, Stability, Reliability, or Trustworthiness
- AG ¶ 28(b)appliedOpinion by a Qualified Mental Health Professional Indicating a Condition That May Impair Judgment
- AG ¶ 28(d)appliedFailure to Follow a Prescribed Treatment Plan
- AG ¶ 19(a)appliedInability to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)appliedHistory of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
Key rule quoted
“Any doubt concerning personnel being considered for national security eligibility will be resolved in favor of the national security.”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedSep 26, 2018
- Answer filedOct 19, 2018
- Hearing heldMar 20, 2019
- Decision dateMay 28, 2019
Cite for
- Denial Based on Unresolved Psychological Conditions Under Guideline I
- Denial Due to Significant Financial Issues Under Guideline F
- Importance of Demonstrating Good Judgment and Responsibility in Personal Affairs