Summary
A 54-year-old calibration technician was denied a security clearance under Guideline I (Psychological Conditions) and Guideline J (Criminal Conduct) due to concerns stemming from his psychological history. The applicant had been diagnosed with bipolar mood disorder and suicidal tendencies, leading to a court order for mental health treatment.
Despite acknowledging these conditions and undergoing some treatment, the applicant failed to consistently follow his prescribed treatment plan. This non-compliance raised concerns that his psychological conditions were not fully controlled, and a psychological evaluation indicated ongoing issues with emotional stability.
The denial was based on the applicant's admitted psychological conditions and his failure to demonstrate consistent treatment compliance, which impacted his judgment and reliability. A psychologist's guarded prognosis further indicated that the applicant's emotional stability remained vulnerable to external pressures.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant admitted to the allegations regarding his psychological conditions.
- He failed to demonstrate ongoing and consistent compliance with his treatment plan, which raised concerns about his judgment and reliability.
- The psychologist's guarded prognosis indicated that the applicant's emotional stability was vulnerable to external pressures.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 28(a)raisedBehavior 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 ¶ 29(a)rejectedThe Identified Condition Is Readily Controllable with Treatment, and the Individual Has Demonstrated Ongoing and Consistent Compliance with the Treatment PlanThe applicant's psychological conditions are controllable with treatment, but he has not demonstrated ongoing compliance.
- AG ¶ 29(b)rejectedThe Individual Has Voluntarily Entered a Counseling or Treatment Program for a Condition That Is Amenable to TreatmentWhile the applicant has entered treatment, the prognosis was not favorable.
- AG ¶ 29(c)rejectedRecent Opinion by a Duly Qualified Mental Health Professional That an Individual's Previous Condition Is Under Control or in RemissionThe psychologist's evaluation was over a year old and did not indicate a low probability of recurrence.
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 6, 2020
- Answer filednullUndated document submitted by applicant.
- Hearing heldMay 10, 2023Conducted via video teleconference.
- Decision dateJul 17, 2023
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Psychological Conditions Under Guideline I
- Importance of Consistent Compliance with Treatment Plans for Mental Health Issues
- Presumption Against Granting Security Clearance When Concerns Arise Regarding Eligibility.