Summary
A 64-year-old senior system specialist with a history of psychological conditions, including bipolar disorder and previous suicide attempts, was granted a security clearance under Guideline I (Psychological Conditions). The Statement of Reasons detailed several concerns, beginning with treatment sought in 1986 for excessive alcohol consumption. Subsequent allegations included suicide attempts in October 1998 and April 2019, both leading to voluntary hospitalizations, with the latter resulting in a diagnosis of bipolar I mood disorder.
Further concerns noted a 2019 opinion from a licensed clinical professional consultant that a positive prognosis required "lifelong maintenance." The applicant reportedly stopped psychiatric treatment against medical advice in September 2020 and had not received mental health treatment since. A January 2023 evaluation by a licensed psychologist indicated the applicant experienced passive suicidal ideations in late 2020 and was at greater risk of decompensation due to discontinuing medication, potentially affecting his ability to follow orders or perform sensitive duties.
Despite these concerns, the administrative judge found that the applicant had mitigated security risks. The judge determined that the applicant demonstrated ongoing compliance with a treatment plan, and expert testimony indicated his condition was manageable without impairing judgment or reliability. The applicant's positive changes and commitment to therapy were deemed evident and credible, leading to the conclusion that granting the clearance was consistent with national security interests.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant demonstrated ongoing compliance with a treatment plan for his psychological condition.
- Expert testimony indicated that the applicant's condition was manageable and did not impair his judgment or reliability.
- The applicant's positive changes and commitment to therapy were evident and credible.
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)appliedThe Identified Condition Is Readily Controllable with Treatment, and the Individual Has Demonstrated Ongoing and Consistent Compliance with the Treatment Plan
- AG ¶ 29(b)appliedThe Individual Has Voluntarily Entered a Counseling or Treatment Program for a Condition That Is Amenable to Treatment
- AG ¶ 29(c)rejectedRecent Opinion by a Duly Qualified Mental Health Professional That an Individual's Previous Condition Is Under Control or in RemissionThe expert was not approved by the U.S. Government.
- AG ¶ 29(d)rejectedThe Past Psychological/psychiatric Condition Was Temporary, the Situation Has Been ResolvedThe bipolar disorder is not a temporary condition.
- AG ¶ 29(e)appliedThere Is No Indication of a Current Problem
Key Rule Quoted
“Eligibility for a security clearance is predicated upon the applicant meeting the criteria contained in the adjudicative guidelines.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMar 29, 2023
- Answer filedJun 10, 2023
- Hearing heldApr 30, 2024conducted by video teleconference
- Decision dateJun 10, 2024
Cite For
- Mitigation of Psychological Conditions Under Guideline I
- Importance of Ongoing Treatment in Security Clearance Cases
- Evaluation of Mental Health Conditions by Qualified Professionals