Summary
A 70-year-old integration engineer with a history of depression and a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder was granted security clearance under Guideline I (Psychological Conditions). The applicant had been hospitalized in October to November 2014 for depression and suicidal thoughts, leading to an initial diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder. A subsequent Department of Defense evaluation in May 2018 confirmed a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder II.
While the 2018 evaluation noted the condition was in full remission, it also raised concerns about the applicant's candor, suggesting he might not seek treatment if symptoms recurred. However, the judge ultimately found that the applicant's psychological condition had been in full remission for over three years.
Expert evaluations further supported this, indicating no current psychological symptoms that would impair his reliability or judgment. The applicant also demonstrated a willingness to seek treatment should his symptoms recur, which supported the application of mitigating conditions. Consequently, the applicant was granted eligibility for access to classified information.
Why the applicant prevailed
- The applicant demonstrated that his psychological condition was in full remission for over three years.
- Expert evaluations indicated no current psychological symptoms affecting reliability or judgment.
- The applicant's willingness to seek treatment if symptoms recur supported his case for mitigation.
Conditions referenced
- AG ¶ 28(a)raisedBehavior That Casts Doubt on an Individual's Judgment, Stability, Reliability, or Trustworthiness
- AG ¶ 28(b)raisedAn 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)raisedVoluntary or Involuntary Inpatient Hospitalization
- AG ¶ 29(a)appliedThe Identified Condition Is Readily Controllable with Treatment, and the Individual Has Demonstrated Ongoing and Consistent Compliance with the Treatment Plan
- AG ¶ 29(c)appliedRecent Opinion by a Duly Qualified Mental Health Professional That an Individual's Previous Condition Is Under Control or in Remission
- AG ¶ 29(e)appliedThere Is No Indication of a Current Problem
Key rule quoted
“AG ¶ 2(d) requires that '[a]ny doubt concerning personnel being considered for national security eligibility will be resolved in favor of the national security.'”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedAug 29, 2018
- Answer filedSep 18, 2018
- Hearing heldMar 4, 2019
- Decision dateAug 30, 2019
Cite for
- Mitigation of Psychological Conditions Under Guideline I
- Evaluation of Mental Health History in Security Clearance Cases
- Consideration of Expert Testimony in Determining Eligibility for Security Clearance