Summary
A 29-year-old IT specialist and former U.S. Army service member was granted a security clearance despite concerns under Guideline I (Psychological Conditions). The allegations included recurrent and severe headaches, an adjustment disorder with anxiety and depressed mood, and a diagnosis of major depressive disorder in partial remission. The applicant had threatened his detachment and platoon sergeants, believing them responsible for his pain, and was admitted as an inpatient to a psychiatric unit, where he was prescribed sleep and psychotropic medications.
A psychologist concluded that the applicant's history of high-risk, irresponsible, aggressive, antisocial, or emotionally unstable behavior could impair his ability to safeguard classified information, and expressed concern about potential noncompliance with treatment. Disqualifying conditions under AG ¶ 28(a), AG ¶ 28(b), and AG ¶ 28(c) were raised.
However, the judge found that the applicant's psychological issues were largely resolved following surgery for a pituitary adenoma. Mitigating conditions under AG ¶ 29(a), AG ¶ 29(b), AG ¶ 29(c), AG ¶ 29(d), and AG ¶ 29(e) were applied. The applicant demonstrated compliance with treatment and ongoing mental health support, and supervisors provided positive testimonials regarding his effective performance and stability post-surgery, leading to the clearance being granted.
Why the applicant prevailed
- The applicant's psychological condition was significantly improved after surgery for a pituitary adenoma.
- He demonstrated compliance with treatment and ongoing mental health support.
- Positive testimonials from supervisors indicated effective performance and stability post-surgery.
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(c)raisedVoluntary or Involuntary Inpatient Hospitalization
- AG ¶ 29(a)appliedCondition Is Readily Controllable with Treatment and Individual Is Compliant
- AG ¶ 29(b)appliedVoluntarily Entered Treatment Program with Favorable Prognosis
- AG ¶ 29(c)appliedRecent Opinion Indicates Condition Is Under Control or in Remission
- AG ¶ 29(d)appliedPast Condition Was Temporary and Resolved
- AG ¶ 29(e)appliedNo Indication of Current Problem
Key rule quoted
“Eligibility for a security clearance is predicated upon the applicant meeting the criteria contained in the adjudicative guidelines.”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedOct 29, 2019
- Answer filedNov 14, 2019
- Hearing heldAug 25, 2020rescheduled due to COVID-19 restrictions
- Decision dateSep 2, 2020
Cite for
- Mitigation of Psychological Conditions Under Guideline I
- Impact of Medical Treatment on Psychological Stability
- Whole-person Assessment in Security Clearance Decisions