Summary
A 43-year-old defense contractor and military veteran was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption) and Guideline I (Psychological Conditions). The Statement of Reasons detailed a history of alcohol-related incidents, including completing a drug and alcohol program in 2002 following a court-martial, and two arrests for DUI in 2012 and 2021.
Additionally, the applicant's psychological history included a suicide attempt around 2009 or 2010, suicidal ideations in 2013, and hospitalization in 2014 after further suicidal ideations. Diagnoses included borderline personality disorder in June 2016 and an unspecified personality disorder with borderline features in March 2023.
The administrative judge found that the applicant did not sufficiently mitigate these concerns. Despite some evidence of rehabilitation, the judge cited ongoing doubts about the applicant's reliability and trustworthiness, concluding that past attempts at sobriety were insufficient to alleviate concerns about potential recurrence of problematic behavior. The applicant's psychological conditions, including the personality disorder and history of suicidal ideation, were deemed to impair his judgment and reliability.
Why the applicant was denied
- The applicant has a history of two DUIs, raising concerns about his alcohol consumption.
- The applicant's psychological conditions, including borderline personality disorder and a history of suicidal ideation, were deemed to impair his judgment and reliability.
- The applicant's past attempts at sobriety were not sufficient to alleviate concerns about potential recurrence of problematic behavior.
Conditions referenced
- AG ¶ 22(a)appliedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- AG ¶ 22(c)appliedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol
- AG ¶ 28(a)appliedBehavior That Casts Doubt on an Individual’s Judgment
- AG ¶ 28(c)appliedVoluntary or Involuntary Inpatient Hospitalization
- AG ¶ 28(b)appliedOpinion by a Qualified Mental Health Professional
- AG ¶ 23(a)rejectedTime Has Passed or Behavior Was InfrequentThe judge found lingering concerns about the applicant's drinking behavior.
- AG ¶ 23(b)rejectedAcknowledgment of Maladaptive Alcohol UseThe applicant's past relapses raised doubts about his current reliability.
- AG ¶ 23(d)rejectedSuccessful Completion of a Treatment ProgramThe applicant's history of relapses and ongoing mental health issues were significant.
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 issuedDec 14, 2023
- Answer filedJan 1, 2024
- Hearing heldOct 16, 2024
- Decision dateFeb 10, 2025
Cite for
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Unresolved Alcohol Consumption Issues
- Impact of Psychological Conditions on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Consideration of Past Behavior and Rehabilitation Efforts in Security Clearance Decisions