Summary
A 30-year-old male, employed by a DOD contractor and with prior military service, was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guidelines I (Psychological Conditions), F (Financial Considerations), and E (Personal Conduct). The applicant had been diagnosed in 2019 with major depressive disorder and gambling disorder. Despite these diagnoses, he answered "No" to questions about mental health conditions and financial problems due to gambling on his January 2020 security clearance application, which constituted falsification.
Further financial issues included filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, converted to Chapter 7 in December 2019. The applicant admitted to continuing to gamble even with delinquent accounts and pending bankruptcy, demonstrating a lack of impulse control. Although he visited a therapist in August 2020, he acknowledged that his gambling continued, indicating that his conditions were not successfully treated.
The judge determined that the applicant's unresolved gambling addiction, failure to follow treatment recommendations, and the falsification of information on his application raised significant concerns about his judgment and reliability. Consequently, the security clearance was denied.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant admitted to having a gambling disorder and major depressive disorder, which were not successfully treated.
- The applicant continued gambling despite financial distress and pending bankruptcy, indicating a lack of impulse control.
- The applicant falsified information on his security clearance application regarding his mental health and financial problems.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 28(a)appliedBehavior That Casts Doubt on an Individual’s Judgment, Stability, Reliability, or Trustworthiness
- 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 Trustworthiness
- AG ¶ 28(d)appliedFailure to Follow a Prescribed Treatment Plan Related to a Diagnosed Psychological/psychiatric Condition
- AG ¶ 19(h)appliedBorrowing Money or Engaging in Significant Financial Transactions to Fund Gambling or Pay Gambling Debts
- AG ¶ 19(i)appliedConcealing Gambling Losses, Family Conflict, or Other Problems Caused by Gambling
- AG ¶ 16(a)appliedDeliberate Omission, Concealment, or Falsification of Relevant Facts
Key Rule Quoted
“Any doubt concerning personnel being considered for national security eligibility will be resolved in favor of the national security.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedFeb 20, 2021
- Answer filed—Applicant provided an undated response to the SOR.
- Hearing heldAug 26, 2021Via video teleconference.
- Decision dateSep 29, 2021
Cite For
- Failure to Mitigate Psychological Conditions Under Guideline I
- Failure to Manage Financial Obligations Under Guideline F
- Deliberate Falsification of Information Under Guideline E