Summary
A 45-year-old defense contractor was denied a security clearance under Guideline I, Psychological Conditions, due to a history of delusional disorder and paranoid personality disorder. The Statement of Reasons alleged that his emotional, mental, and personality conditions could impair his judgment, reliability, or trustworthiness, and his ability to protect classified information. It also stated that he failed to follow treatment advice, specifically by not taking prescribed medication.
The judge concluded that the applicant's mental health issues presented a significant security risk. Disqualifying conditions 28(a), 28(b), and 28(c) were raised, indicating concerns about his judgment, reliability, and trustworthiness, as well as his failure to adhere to treatment.
The denial was based on the applicant's behavior, which cast doubt on his judgment, reliability, and trustworthiness due to his psychological conditions. He had failed to follow treatment advice, including discontinuing prescribed medication. Furthermore, his mental health issues were not in remission and were actively affecting his ability to safeguard classified information.
Why the applicant was denied
- The applicant exhibited behavior that cast doubt on his judgment, reliability, and trustworthiness due to his psychological conditions.
- He failed to follow treatment advice related to his diagnosed mental health conditions, including discontinuing prescribed medication.
- The applicant's mental health issues were not in remission and were actively affecting his ability to safeguard classified information.
Conditions referenced
- 28(a)appliedBehavior That Casts Doubt on an Individual’s Judgment, Reliability, or Trustworthiness
- 28(b)appliedAn Opinion by a Duly Qualified Mental Health Professional That the Individual Has a Condition Not Covered Under Any Other Guideline That May Impair Judgment, Reliability, or Trustworthiness
- 28(c)appliedThe Individual Has Failed to Follow Treatment Advice Related to a Diagnosed Emotional, Mental, or Personality Condition
Key rule quoted
“A formal diagnosis of a disorder is not required for there to be a concern under this guideline.”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedOct 16, 2008
- Answer filedNov 5, 2008Applicant elected to have the case determined on a written record.
- Hearing held—No hearing; case determined on written record.
- Decision dateApr 14, 2009
Cite for
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Psychological Conditions Under Guideline I
- Impact of Untreated Mental Health Issues on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Failure to Follow Treatment Recommendations as a Disqualifying Factor