Summary
A 36-year-old defense contractor was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline I (Psychological Conditions). The denial stemmed from a history of marijuana use and significant psychological issues, including a psychiatric hospitalization.
Specifically, the applicant used marijuana from approximately 2010 through November 2013 while holding a security clearance, which was cited as reflecting questionable judgment and an unwillingness to comply with regulations. In November 2013, the applicant was voluntarily admitted to a psychiatric facility due to suicidal ideation and was diagnosed with bipolar affective disorder and marijuana abuse. Although the applicant has not used illegal drugs since his 2013 hospitalization and has received counseling since April 2018, these mitigating factors were insufficient.
The judge ultimately determined that the applicant's history of marijuana use while holding a clearance, his psychiatric hospitalization and bipolar diagnosis, and inconsistent accounts of his marijuana use raised unmitigated concerns about his judgment, reliability, and candor. Consequently, access to classified information was denied.
Why the applicant was denied
- The applicant had a history of marijuana use while holding a security clearance, reflecting questionable judgment.
- The applicant was hospitalized for a psychiatric condition, diagnosed with bipolar disorder, which raised concerns about his reliability and judgment.
- The applicant provided inconsistent accounts of his marijuana use, leading to doubts about his candor and reliability.
Conditions referenced
- AG ¶ 28(a)appliedBehavior That Casts Doubt on an Individual's Judgment, Stability, Reliability, or Trustworthiness
- AG ¶ 28(b)appliedAn Opinion by a Duly Qualified Mental Health Professional That the Individual Has a Condition That May Impair Judgment, Stability, Reliability, or Trustworthiness
- AG ¶ 28(c)appliedVoluntary or Involuntary Inpatient Hospitalization
- AG ¶ 16(e)appliedPersonal Conduct That Creates a Vulnerability to Exploitation, Manipulation, or Duress
- AG ¶ 29(a)rejectedThe Identified Condition Is Readily Controllable with Treatment, and the Individual Has Demonstrated Ongoing and Consistent Compliance with the Treatment PlanThe applicant did not demonstrate consistent compliance with treatment.
- AG ¶ 29(b)rejectedThe Individual Has Voluntarily Entered a Counseling or Treatment Program for a Condition That Is Amenable to TreatmentWhile the applicant received counseling, the judge found the psychological conditions were not sufficiently mitigated.
- AG ¶ 29(c)rejectedRecent Opinion by a Duly Qualified Mental Health Professional That an Individual’s Previous Condition Is Under Control or in RemissionThe judge gave greater weight to earlier diagnoses indicating ongoing issues.
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 issuedAug 17, 2018
- Answer filedDec 18, 2018
- Hearing heldMay 29, 2019
- Decision dateJul 1, 2019
Cite for
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Unresolved Psychological Conditions Under Guideline I
- Impact of Personal Conduct on Security Clearance Eligibility Under Guideline E
- Importance of Consistent Treatment Compliance in Mitigating Psychological Conditions