Summary
A 41-year-old former U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant was granted a security clearance under Guideline I (Psychological Conditions) despite a history of mental health issues. The Statement of Reasons detailed several concerns, including a diagnosis of major depressive disorder in March 2006, followed by a "suicide gesture" in September 2006. He received inpatient treatment in November 2006 for suicidal ideations and again in January 2007 for similar ideations and spousal abuse.
Further incidents included a suicide attempt by overdose in August 2007 and a threat against his wife in March 2008. Additionally, he had a history of non-compliance with prescribed medications, and in May 2009, his treating physician expressed concern that his mental condition might impair his judgment regarding classified information. Disqualifying conditions under AG ¶ 28(a) and AG ¶ 28(b) were raised.
However, the applicant demonstrated significant improvement, with his depression diagnosed as being in full remission. He established compliance with treatment and medications, leading to an assessment of low risk for adverse conduct. His work performance was consistently praised, reflecting reliability and sound judgment. Mitigating conditions under AG ¶ 29(b), AG ¶ 29(c), AG ¶ 29(d), and AG ¶ 29(e) were applied, resulting in the granting of the security clearance.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant showed significant improvement in mental health, with a diagnosis of depression in full remission.
- The applicant's compliance with treatment and medications was established, and he was assessed as being at low risk of adverse conduct.
- The applicant's work performance was praised, demonstrating reliability and sound judgment.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 28(a)raisedBehavior That Casts Doubt on an Individual's Judgment, 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, Reliability, or Trustworthiness
- AG ¶ 29(b)appliedThe Individual Has Voluntarily Entered a Counseling or Treatment Program for a Condition That Is Amenable to Treatment
- AG ¶ 29(c)appliedRecent Opinion by a Duly Qualified Mental Health Professional That an Individual's Previous Condition Is Under Control or in Remission
- AG ¶ 29(d)appliedThe Past Emotional Instability Was a Temporary Condition That Has Been Resolved
- AG ¶ 29(e)appliedThere Is No Indication of a Current Problem
Key Rule Quoted
“A security clearance decision is intended to resolve whether it is clearly consistent with the national interest for an applicant to either receive or continue to have access to classified information.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedOct 28, 2009
- Answer filedTimely
- Hearing heldMay 19, 2010
- Decision dateAug 23, 2010
Cite For
- Mitigation of Psychological Conditions Under Guideline I
- Evaluation of the Whole-person Concept in Security Clearance Decisions
- Impact of Compliance with Treatment on Security Clearance Outcomes