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ISCR Case 22-01341 — CASE

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ISCR Case 22-01341

A decided public DOHA case, shown for research — not advice or a prediction.

Case Profile
Decision Date10/31/2024
Statusgranted
LevelHEARING
TypeSTANDARD ISCR
Participants
Applicant Representation: Pro Se
Judge: Robert E. Coacher
Government Counsel: Erin P. Thompson
Case Summary
The applicant in this case sought a security clearance and faced allegations under Guideline G concerning alcohol consumption and Guideline I related to psychological conditions. The Statement of Reasons (SOR) outlined four incidents of alcohol consumption and two psychological condition concerns, including a suicide attempt in 2015 while intoxicated, which led to a diagnosis of Alcohol Use Disorder and other mental health issues.
During the hearings, the applicant admitted to the alcohol-related incidents and acknowledged his diagnosis of Alcohol Use Disorder. He testified that he had maintained sobriety for over three years, with his last drink occurring in August 2021. The applicant expressed a commitment to abstaining from alcohol and highlighted his strong performance at work and support from family. A psychological evaluation conducted in November 2021 indicated that he did not meet the criteria for other mental health disorders, and concerns regarding his alcohol use were alleviated by his sustained sobriety.
The administrative judge ruled in favor of the applicant, concluding that the evidence demonstrated his reliability, trustworthiness, and good judgment. The judge found that the applicant's established sobriety and recognition of the need for continued abstinence outweighed the previous concerns, ultimately determining that granting the applicant access to classified information was consistent with national interest.
Guidelines Evaluated
- Guideline GAlcohol Consumption · For Applicant
- Guideline IPsychological Conditions · For Applicant
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Case Headnote

ISCR Case No. 22-01341

grantedOct 31, 2024· Hon. Robert E. Coacher· hearing

Summary

This security clearance decision involved an applicant seeking clearance under concerns related to alcohol consumption (Guideline G) and psychological conditions (Guideline I). The Statement of Reasons specifically cited alcohol consumption and psychological conditions as areas of concern.

However, the applicant, representing themselves, successfully demonstrated significant mitigating factors. They maintained sobriety for over three years, showcasing a strong commitment to recovery. Furthermore, a favorable psychological evaluation confirmed no current mental health issues beyond Alcohol Use Disorder. The applicant also exhibited maturity and a clear understanding of the necessity for continued abstinence from alcohol.

Supported by family and strong work performance, the applicant's sustained sobriety and positive psychological assessment led the judge to conclude that the burden of persuasion for clearance was met. Consequently, the security clearance was GRANTED.

Why the Applicant Prevailed

The applicant has maintained sobriety for over three years, demonstrating commitment to recovery.
A favorable psychological evaluation indicated no current mental health concerns beyond Alcohol Use Disorder.
The applicant's maturity and understanding of the need for abstinence from alcohol were evident.

Conditions Referenced

Mitigating

AG ¶ 23(a)appliedThe Behavior Was Not Recent and the Applicant Has Shown a Significant Period of Sobriety.
AG ¶ 23(b)appliedThe Applicant Has Received Support From Family and Work, Contributing to His Recovery.
AG ¶ 23(c)appliedThe Applicant Has Taken Positive Steps to Address the Alcohol Use Disorder.

Key Rule Quoted

“I also gave due consideration to the whole-person concept.”

Procedural Posture

SOR issuedSep 19, 2022
Answer filedSep 20, 2022
Hearing heldMar 7, 2023initial hearing
Supplemental hearing heldOct 22, 2024reopened case for additional hearing
Decision dateOct 31, 2024

Cite For

Demonstrating Significant Sobriety as a Mitigating Factor Under Guideline G
The Importance of Favorable Psychological Evaluations in Security Clearance Cases
The Application of the Whole-person Concept in Adjudicating Security Clearance Cases

Editorial summary generated for research. Not legal advice; not a prediction. Verify against the full decision before relying on any quoted language.

Standardized Decision Profile

SEAD-4 Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption) · descriptive summary of a decided case

Posture: Decision on RecordDecided: grantedAUD DIAGNOSEDTREATMENT COMPLETED · FAVORABLE

The applicant had a history of alcohol-related incidents, including a diagnosis of Alcohol Use Disorder. However, he has demonstrated over three years of sobriety and has received support from family and work. The judge concluded that the applicant met the burden of persuasion to grant eligibility for access to classified information, resulting in a favorable decision.

¶	Allegation	Finding	Incident	Response	Disqualifying (¶22)	Mitigating applied (¶23)	Mitigation
1.a	Alcohol consumption concerns under Guideline G.	For Applicant	Unspecified Alcohol Incident	Unknown	—	—	—

Descriptive standardized rendering of a decided public case (Guideline G). The verbatim source decision is shown in full below.

Standardized Decision Profile

SEAD-4 Guideline I (Psychological Conditions) · descriptive summary of a decided case

Posture: Decision on RecordDecided: granted

The judge addressed psychological conditions under Guideline I, noting the applicant's history of alcohol-related incidents and a suicide attempt in 2015. However, the applicant demonstrated significant rehabilitation through over three years of sobriety and positive evaluations, leading to a decision in favor of granting clearance.

¶	Allegation	Finding	Type	Response	Disqualifying (¶28)	Mitigating applied (¶29)	Mitigation
1.b	Psychological conditions concerns under Guideline I.	For Applicant	Unspecified Psychological Condition	Unknown	—	—	—

Descriptive standardized rendering of a decided public case (Guideline I). The verbatim source decision is shown in full below.

Full decision

The complete, official text — footnotes and signatures included — is in the original PDF.