Summary
This case concerns a 40-year-old employee of a DOD contractor and former U.S. Navy service member whose security clearance eligibility was reviewed under Guideline I (Psychological Conditions). Concerns arose from a history of mental health issues, including an involuntary hospitalization on June 3, 2019, following a threat of self-harm. Diagnoses over time included Major Depressive Disorder, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), alcohol use disorder, and delusional disorder.
Disqualifying conditions were raised based on these psychological conditions. However, the applicant successfully mitigated these concerns by demonstrating consistent compliance with her mental health treatment plan since September 2019. Her treating mental health professionals confirmed that her issues were manageable and under control.
Ultimately, the adjudicator found no current problems affecting the applicant's judgment or reliability. As a result, the applicant's eligibility for access to classified information was GRANTED.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant demonstrated ongoing and consistent compliance with her mental health treatment plan since September 2019.
- The applicant's mental health issues were deemed manageable and under control by her treating mental health professionals.
- There was no indication of a current problem affecting the applicant's judgment or reliability.
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 ¶ 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, and the Individual Is Currently Receiving Counseling or Treatment with a Favorable Prognosis by a Duly Qualified Mental Health Professional
- AG ¶ 29(c)rejectedRecent Opinion by a Duly Qualified Mental Health Professional That an Individual’s Previous Condition Is Under Control or in Remission, and Has a Low Probability of Recurrence or ExacerbationThe government psychologist did not provide a favorable prognosis due to a lack of disclosure regarding a significant incident.
- 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 issuedJun 30, 2023
- Answer filedJul 20, 2023
- Hearing heldApr 25, 2024
- Decision dateAug 6, 2024
Cite For
- Mitigation of Psychological Conditions Under Guideline I
- Importance of Consistent Treatment Compliance in Security Clearance Cases
- Evaluation of Mental Health Issues in the Context of Security Clearance Eligibility