Summary
A 49-year-old defense contractor was denied eligibility for a public trust position under Guideline I (Psychological Conditions) due to unresolved mental health issues. The applicant had a history of psychological conditions, including a diagnosis in approximately 2005 of chronic, paranoid type delusional disorder. In May 2018, she was further diagnosed with chronic, paranoid type delusional disorder; severe major depressive disorder, in partial remission; and an unspecified anxiety disorder.
The denial was based on several factors. A qualified mental health professional noted a poor prognosis for the applicant's conditions. Furthermore, the applicant had not received any professional treatment for her psychological conditions since 2008, indicating a failure to follow a prescribed treatment plan.
The judge concluded that the applicant's mental health history and lack of recent treatment impaired her judgment and reliability. Despite positive character references, the serious nature of her mental health issues outweighed these mitigating factors, leading to the determination that security concerns were not mitigated. The application was therefore denied.
Why the applicant was denied
- The applicant had a history of delusional disorder and major depressive disorder, with a poor prognosis noted by a qualified mental health professional.
- The applicant had not received any professional treatment for her psychological conditions since 2008, failing to follow a prescribed treatment plan.
- The judge found that the applicant's mental health issues were serious and concerning, outweighing positive character references.
Conditions referenced
- AG ¶ 28(a)raisedBehavior That Casts Doubt on Judgment, Stability, Reliability, or Trustworthiness
- AG ¶ 28(b)raisedOpinion by a Qualified Mental Health Professional Indicating a Condition That May Impair Judgment
- AG ¶ 28(d)raisedFailure to Follow a Prescribed Treatment Plan
- AG ¶ 29(a)rejectedCondition Is Readily Controllable with TreatmentThe applicant had not received treatment since 2008.
- AG ¶ 29(b)rejectedVoluntarily Entered a Counseling or Treatment ProgramThe applicant had not engaged in any treatment since 2008.
- AG ¶ 29(c)rejectedRecent Opinion Indicating Condition Is Under ControlThe most recent evaluation indicated a poor prognosis.
- AG ¶ 29(d)rejectedPast Condition Was Temporary and ResolvedThe applicant's mental health issues had persisted since 2005.
- AG ¶ 29(e)rejectedNo Indication of a Current ProblemThe applicant's mental health issues were ongoing and untreated.
Key rule quoted
“The Federal government must be able to repose a high degree of trust and confidence in persons granted access to positions of trust.”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedAug 27, 2018
- Answer filedOct 17, 2018
- Hearing heldJan 15, 2019via video teleconference
- Decision dateMar 26, 2019
Cite for
- Denial of Eligibility Due to Unresolved Psychological Conditions Under Guideline I
- Importance of Ongoing Treatment for Mental Health Issues in Security Clearance Cases
- Weight Given to Qualified Mental Health Professional Evaluations in Adjudications.