Summary
A 38-year-old defense contractor employee was denied a security clearance due to unmitigated concerns under Guideline I (Psychological Conditions), Guideline H (Drug Involvement), and Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption). While personal conduct issues under Guideline E were mitigated, the applicant's unresolved psychological conditions and substance misuse were central to the denial.
Specifically, the applicant did not mitigate security concerns related to psychological conditions that were found to impair judgment and reliability. Additionally, a history of drug involvement and alcohol consumption raised significant security concerns.
The denial was further supported by the applicant's inconsistent accounts regarding alcohol consumption and a lack of participation in substance abuse treatment. Disqualifying conditions cited included AG ¶ 28(b), AG ¶ 28(c), AG ¶ 25(a), AG ¶ 25(d), AG ¶ 22(a), and AG ¶ 22(c). Mitigating conditions applied included AG ¶ 29(a), AG ¶ 29(b), AG ¶ 29(c), AG ¶ 29(d), AG ¶ 29(e), AG ¶ 26(c), and AG ¶ 17(c).
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant did not mitigate psychological conditions that impair judgment and reliability.
- The applicant has a history of drug involvement and alcohol consumption that raises security concerns.
- The applicant's inconsistent accounts of alcohol consumption and lack of substance abuse treatment contributed to the denial.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 28(b)raisedOpinion by a Qualified Mental Health Professional
- AG ¶ 28(c)raisedVoluntary or Involuntary Inpatient Hospitalization
- AG ¶ 25(a)raisedSubstance Misuse
- AG ¶ 25(d)raisedDiagnosis of Substance Use Disorder
- AG ¶ 22(a)raisedAlcohol-related Incidents
- AG ¶ 22(c)raisedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol
- AG ¶ 29(a)rejectedCondition Is Controllable with TreatmentThe applicant's conditions are not readily controllable with treatment.
- AG ¶ 29(b)rejectedVoluntary Counseling or TreatmentInsufficient evidence to show that conditions are controllable with treatment.
- AG ¶ 29(c)rejectedRecent Opinion Indicating Condition Is Under ControlNo evidence from a qualified mental health professional that conditions are in remission.
- AG ¶ 29(d)rejectedTemporary Condition ResolvedConditions have not been resolved.
- AG ¶ 29(e)rejectedNo Current ProblemEvidence indicates ongoing mental health issues.
- AG ¶ 26(c)appliedAbuse After Severe IllnessAbuse occurred during a prolonged period of mental illness.
- AG ¶ 17(c)appliedMinor Offense or Time PassedMisuse of credit card occurred over eight years ago.
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 issuedSep 6, 2022
- Answer filedOct 21, 2022Requested decision based on written record.
- Hearing held—Decision based on written record.
- Decision dateMay 23, 2023
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Unresolved Psychological Conditions Under Guideline I
- Impact of Substance Misuse on Security Clearance Eligibility Under Guidelines H and G
- Mitigation of Personal Conduct Issues Under Guideline E Despite Other Disqualifying Factors.