Summary
A 40-year-old senior technical management lead was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption) and Guideline I (Psychological Conditions). The applicant's Statement of Reasons detailed alcohol consumption, at times to excess, from approximately 2016 to at least July 2019, including a March 2016 DUI arrest with a .14 BAC. Following the arrest, the applicant received treatment at an Army Alcohol and Substance Abuse Program from March to July 2016, but continued to consume alcohol despite this treatment.
Additionally, the applicant received mental health treatment from October 2015 to May 2017, during which he was diagnosed with Opioid Abuse and Major Depressive Disorder. A subsequent diagnosis by Dr. L identified Unspecified Anxiety Disorder and Alcohol Use Disorder, moderate.
While the judge acknowledged mitigating factors regarding the applicant's alcohol use, the denial was primarily based on the unresolved psychological conditions. The judge found insufficient evidence of ongoing mental health support, and a guarded prognosis from a qualified psychologist, which raised significant concerns about the applicant's reliability and trustworthiness.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant had a history of unresolved psychological conditions, including Major Depressive Disorder and Alcohol Use Disorder, which were not sufficiently mitigated.
- The judge found insufficient evidence of ongoing mental health support to ensure the applicant's reliability and trustworthiness.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 28(b)appliedOpinion by a Qualified Mental Health Professional That the Individual Has a Condition That May Impair Judgment, Stability, Reliability, or Trustworthiness.
- AG ¶ 23(a)appliedSo Much Time Has Passed, or the Behavior Was so Infrequent, or It Happened Under Such Unusual Circumstances That It Is Unlikely to Recur or Does Not Cast Doubt on the Individual’s Current Reliability, Trustworthiness, or Judgment.
- AG ¶ 23(d)appliedThe Individual Has Successfully Completed a Treatment Program Along with Any Required Aftercare, and Has Demonstrated a Clear and Established Pattern of Modified Consumption or Abstinence in Accordance with Treatment Recommendations.
Key Rule Quoted
“Once a concern arises regarding an Applicant’s security clearance eligibility, there is a strong presumption against the grant or maintenance of a security clearance.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJun 12, 2020
- Answer filedJun 25, 2020
- Hearing heldAug 16, 2022Hearing rescheduled twice due to technical issues.
- Decision dateSep 15, 2022
Cite For
- Unresolved Psychological Conditions Under Guideline I
- Mitigating Factors Regarding Alcohol Consumption Under Guideline G
- Presumption Against Granting Security Clearance When Concerns Arise