Summary
A 29-year-old software engineer was denied a security clearance under Guideline I (Psychological Conditions) due to a history of psychological conditions, including multiple hospitalizations for psychotic episodes and medication noncompliance.
The applicant was hospitalized five times between May 2011 and July 2017. The first two hospitalizations in May and June 2011 followed bizarre and aggressive behavior, leading to a diagnosis of psychosis. Subsequent hospitalizations in February and March 2012 were due to medication noncompliance. His fifth hospitalization in July 2017 occurred after he reduced his antipsychotic medication against medical advice. In April 2019, he was diagnosed with Schizophrenia (by history), and in October 2019, with Schizoaffective Disorder, Bipolar Type.
Despite some positive aspects in his life, the applicant failed to demonstrate consistent adherence to treatment and accurate disclosure of his mental health history. The administrative judge concluded that security concerns regarding his judgment and reliability were not mitigated, resulting in the denial of eligibility for access to classified information.
Why the applicant was denied
- The applicant had a history of multiple hospitalizations for psychotic episodes.
- He demonstrated medication noncompliance and failed to adhere to treatment recommendations.
- Concerns about his judgment and reliability were not mitigated by his positive life aspects.
Conditions referenced
- AG ¶ 28(a)raisedBehavior That Casts Doubt on an Individual’s Judgment, Stability, Reliability, or Trustworthiness
- AG ¶ 28(b)raisedAn Opinion by a Duly Qualified Mental Health Professional That the Individual Has a Condition That May Impair Judgment, Stability, Reliability, or Trustworthiness
- AG ¶ 28(c)raisedVoluntary or Involuntary Inpatient Hospitalization
- AG ¶ 28(d)raisedFailure to Follow a Prescribed Treatment Plan Related to a Diagnosed Psychological/psychiatric Condition
- AG ¶ 29(a)rejectedThe Identified Condition Is Readily Controllable with Treatment, and the Individual Has Demonstrated Ongoing and Consistent Compliance with the Treatment PlanThe applicant failed to prove consistent adherence to treatment.
- AG ¶ 29(b)rejectedThe Individual Has Voluntarily Entered a Counseling or Treatment Program for a Condition That Is Amenable to TreatmentThe applicant's treatment history shows gaps and noncompliance.
- AG ¶ 29(c)rejectedRecent Opinion by a Duly Qualified Mental Health Professional That an Individual’s Previous Condition Is Under Control or in RemissionThe applicant's mental health provider expressed concerns about his compliance and history.
- AG ¶ 29(d)rejectedThe Past Psychological/psychiatric Condition Was Temporary, the Situation Has Been Resolved, and the Individual No Longer Shows Indications of Emotional InstabilityThe applicant's history of psychotic episodes and noncompliance raises ongoing concerns.
- AG ¶ 29(e)rejectedThere Is No Indication of a Current ProblemThe applicant's past behavior and treatment gaps indicate potential ongoing issues.
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 issuedOct 8, 2020
- Answer filedOct 19, 2020
- Hearing heldMay 2, 2022
- Decision dateMay 12, 2022
Cite for
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Psychological Conditions Under Guideline I
- Importance of Treatment Adherence in Security Clearance Evaluations
- Presumption Against Granting Security Clearance When Concerns Arise