Summary
A 37-year-old web developer for a DOD contractor was denied a security clearance under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline I (Psychological Conditions). The denial stemmed from a history of bipolar disorder and the applicant's failure to disclose relevant mental health treatment on his April 2011 e-QIP.
The applicant's mental health history included multiple hospitalizations due to bipolar disorder, which a qualified professional opined could impair his judgment, reliability, and trustworthiness. Furthermore, the applicant failed to consistently follow treatment advice, including not taking prescribed medication as required. The judge found that these issues indicated a lack of control over his psychological condition.
Additionally, the applicant intentionally omitted these subsequent hospitalizations for mental health treatment from his e-QIP, raising concerns about his reliability and trustworthiness. Other personal conduct issues included acknowledging that he previously played video games on his work computer against company policy and lost a job in 2009 for failing to follow a supervisor's directions. Ultimately, the judge concluded that the applicant's mental health condition impaired his judgment and reliability, and his omissions on the e-QIP were intentional, leading to the denial.
Why the applicant was denied
- The applicant has a history of bipolar disorder that has led to multiple hospitalizations and impaired judgment.
- The applicant failed to consistently take prescribed medication for his mental health condition, indicating a lack of control over his psychological issues.
- The applicant intentionally omitted relevant mental health treatment from his e-QIP, raising questions about his reliability and trustworthiness.
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 ¶ 28(c)raisedThe Individual Has Failed to Follow Treatment Advice Related to a Diagnosed Emotional, Mental, or Personality Condition
- AG ¶ 16(a)raisedDeliberate Omission, Concealment, or Falsification of Relevant Facts
Key rule quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedMar 31, 2015
- Answer filedApr 15, 2015
- Hearing heldSep 29, 2015
- Decision date—
Cite for
- Security Concerns Related to Psychological Conditions Under Guideline I
- Intentional Omissions on Security Clearance Applications Under Guideline E
- Impact of Mental Health Conditions on Judgment and Reliability in Security Clearance Determinations