CASE · Clearance Adjudication Search EngineCASE

Loading case…

ISCR Case 19-02993 — CASE

Case record

ISCR Case 19-02993

A decided public DOHA case, shown for research — not advice or a prediction.

Case Profile
Decision Date6/28/2021
Statusgranted
LevelHEARING
TypeSTANDARD ISCR
Related decisionsSee the appeal decision (Case 19-02993) →See the appeal decision (Case 19-02993.a1) →See the hearing decision (Case 19-02993) →
Participants
Applicant Representation: Pro Se
Judge: Robert Robinson Gales
Government Counsel: Nicholas T. Temple
Case Summary
Applicant, a 46-year-old employee of a defense contractor, sought a security clearance after submitting a Questionnaire for National Security Positions in January 2019. The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency issued a Statement of Reasons (SOR) in February 2020, citing concerns under Guideline F (Financial Considerations) due to numerous delinquent accounts totaling approximately $84,055. The SOR detailed the applicant's financial difficulties, which began in 2014 following injuries sustained while on duty, leading to significant income loss and subsequent debt accumulation.
During the proceedings, the applicant admitted to the allegations in the SOR, providing extensive comments and documentation. He explained that his financial troubles were exacerbated by a lengthy recovery from surgery and a divorce that left him with substantial debts. He engaged a law firm for debt resolution, which he claimed had not effectively managed his accounts. Despite these challenges, he took steps to mitigate his financial issues, including entering a debt-resolution program and seeking credit repair services.
The administrative judge ultimately ruled in favor of the applicant, granting him eligibility for a security clearance. The judge found that the applicant had mitigated the financial concerns by demonstrating a commitment to resolving his debts and taking proactive measures to improve his financial situation. The decision emphasized the applicant's efforts to address his financial difficulties and the absence of any current unresolved debts at the time of the ruling.
Guidelines Evaluated
- Guideline FFinancial Considerations · For Applicant
Similar decisions
Other decisions whose allegations read most like this one. Descriptive similarity of the allegations only — not a prediction.
Finding similar decisions…

Case Headnote

ISCR Case No. 19-02993

grantedJun 28, 2021· Hon. Robert Robinson Gales· hearing

Summary

A 46-year-old defense contractor was granted a security clearance despite initial concerns under Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The applicant had 20 delinquent accounts totaling approximately $84,055, which raised disqualifying conditions related to financial irresponsibility and an inability to meet financial obligations.

However, the applicant demonstrated substantial mitigating efforts. For over three years prior to the Statement of Reasons (SOR), he actively participated in a debt-resolution program, making consistent monthly payments to the law firm managing his debts. This sustained engagement resulted in several accounts being resolved or actively in the process of resolution, indicating a good-faith effort to address his financial issues.

The administrative judge concluded that these actions effectively mitigated the security concerns. Consequently, the applicant was found eligible for a security clearance.

Why the Applicant Prevailed

The applicant engaged in a debt-resolution program for over three years prior to the SOR.
He made consistent monthly payments to the law firm managing his debts.
Several accounts were resolved or in the process of being resolved, demonstrating a good-faith effort to address financial issues.

Conditions Referenced

Disqualifying

AG ¶ 19(a)appliedInability to Satisfy Debts
AG ¶ 19(c)appliedHistory of Not Meeting Financial Obligations

Mitigating

AG ¶ 20(b)appliedConditions Largely Beyond the Person's Control
AG ¶ 20(d)appliedGood-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors
AG ¶ 20(c)appliedReceived Financial Counseling

Key Rule Quoted

“An applicant needs only to establish a plan to resolve financial problems and take significant actions to implement the plan.”

Procedural Posture

SOR issuedFeb 24, 2020
Answer filedMar 16, 2020
Hearing heldDec 14, 2020
Decision dateJun 28, 2021

Cite For

Mitigation of Financial Issues Under Guideline F
Good-faith Efforts in Debt Resolution
Impact of Personal Circumstances on Financial Stability

Editorial summary generated for research. Not legal advice; not a prediction. Verify against the full decision before relying on any quoted language.

Full decision

The complete, official text — footnotes and signatures included — is in the original PDF.