Summary
A 29-year-old male applicant was denied a security clearance under Guideline I (Psychological Conditions) due to concerns about his judgment and reliability. The denial stemmed from a January 2019 diagnosis by a licensed psychologist of high-functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder without intellectual impairment, alongside generalized anxiety. The psychologist's assessment indicated that these conditions affect the applicant's judgment, reliability, and trustworthiness, with a fair prognosis.
The administrative judge determined that the applicant's psychological conditions posed a significant risk to national security, particularly regarding the trustworthiness required for handling classified information. Specific disqualifying conditions under Guideline I were raised, focusing on the impairment of judgment, reliability, and trustworthiness.
Ultimately, the applicant was denied clearance because his psychological conditions were found to impair his judgment, reliability, and trustworthiness. Furthermore, he did not provide sufficient evidence to mitigate these security concerns, and the psychologist's assessment confirmed the permanent nature of his condition and its impact on his decision-making.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant's psychological conditions impaired his judgment, reliability, and trustworthiness.
- The applicant did not provide sufficient evidence to mitigate the psychological conditions security concerns.
- The psychologist's assessment indicated that the applicant's condition is permanent and affects his decision-making.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 28(a)appliedBehavior That Casts Doubt on an Individual’s Judgment, Stability, Reliability, or TrustworthinessThe applicant's behaviors, including emotional dysregulation and self-harm, indicated significant psychological concerns.
- 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 TrustworthinessThe psychologist diagnosed the applicant with a permanent condition affecting his judgment.
Key Rule Quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedNov 29, 2019
- Answer filedDec 30, 2019Requested decision on the written record.
- Hearing heldSep 22, 2020Decision issued.
- Decision dateSep 22, 2020
Cite For
- Psychological Conditions Affecting Judgment Under Guideline I
- Importance of Corroborating Evidence in Mitigating Psychological Concerns
- Permanent Conditions Impacting Security Clearance Eligibility