Summary
This DOHA security clearance decision involved a 34-year-old former Marine Corps member whose application was reviewed under Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The applicant faced allegations concerning multiple outstanding debts, including amounts of $3,995.00 and $4,323.00 that were under dispute, and several smaller debts ranging from $27.00 to $2,720.00. Some debts, such as $215.00, were no longer the applicant's responsibility due to the statute of limitations, while others, like an $831.00 debt, were unknown and not on his credit report.
The applicant demonstrated significant efforts to address these financial issues. He had paid numerous debts in full, including amounts of $129.00, $458.00, $517.00, $766.00, $359.00, $121.00, $27.00, $202.00, $2,720.00, and $90.00. Additionally, he planned to pay debts totaling $1,383.00, $210.00, and $290.00 upon receiving VA compensation. Debts of $3,995.00 and $4,323.00 remained under dispute, and a $753.00 debt was disputed with the creditor indicating no balance due.
The clearance was GRANTED. The decision acknowledged that the applicant's financial difficulties stemmed from circumstances largely beyond his control, specifically a divorce and a PTSD diagnosis. He demonstrated a good-faith effort to resolve his debts, including establishing payment plans and disputing inaccuracies, and showed evidence of financial rehabilitation and a commitment to fiscal responsibility.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant's financial difficulties were largely due to circumstances beyond his control, including a divorce and PTSD diagnosis.
- He has made a good-faith effort to resolve his debts, including setting up payment plans and disputing inaccuracies.
- The applicant has shown evidence of financial rehabilitation and a commitment to fiscal responsibility.
Conditions Referenced
- 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligation
- 20(b)appliedConditions Largely Beyond the Person's Control
- 20(c)appliedReceiving Counseling and Indications That the Problem Is Being Resolved
- 20(d)appliedGood-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors
Key Rule Quoted
“The adjudicative process is an examination of a sufficient period of a person’s life to make an affirmative determination that the person is an acceptable security risk.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMay 7, 2010
- Answer filedMay 26, 2010
- Hearing heldJan 19, 2011
- Decision dateMar 2, 2011
Cite For
- Mitigating Factors for Financial Difficulties Under Guideline F
- Good-faith Efforts to Resolve Debts
- Impact of Personal Circumstances on Financial Responsibility