Summary
A 41-year-old computer engineer was denied a security clearance due to concerns across four guidelines: Personal Conduct, Financial Considerations, Alcohol Consumption, and Drug Involvement. The denial stemmed from a history of excessive alcohol consumption, including a diagnosis of alcohol dependence in April 2000, continued drinking post-diagnosis, and discharge from treatment against medical advice. The applicant also had a long history of marijuana abuse.
Financially, the applicant admitted to owing federal and state income taxes for 1999, 2000, and 2001, and a medical debt. While he claimed to have begun state tax payments, no proof was provided. A significant factor in the denial was the applicant's deliberate falsification of his security clearance application on February 6, 2001, by denying drug use since age 16 or in the prior seven years.
Despite some evidence of substance abuse treatment, the applicant failed to mitigate these concerns. The combination of ongoing substance abuse, unresolved financial issues, and the deliberate omission of material information on his application led to the denial of his security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- Applicant has a lengthy history of excessive alcohol consumption and was diagnosed with alcohol dependence.
- Continued use of alcohol after treatment and a lack of evidence of sustained sobriety were significant factors.
- Deliberate omission of material information from the security clearance application undermined credibility.
- Long history of marijuana abuse and unresolved financial issues contributed to the denial.
Conditions Referenced
- G DC 1raisedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work, Such as Driving While Under the Influence.
- G DC 3raisedDiagnosis by a Credentialed Medical Professional of Alcohol Abuse or Alcohol Dependence.
- G DC 5raisedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol to the Point of Impaired Judgment.
- H DC 1raisedAny Drug Use.
- H DC 3raisedDiagnosis of a Credentialed Medical Professional of Drug Abuse or Drug Dependence.
- F DC 1raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations.
- E DC 2raisedThe Deliberate Omission, Concealment, or Falsification of Relevant and Material Facts From Any Personnel Security Questionnaire.
- G MC 4rejectedFollowing a Diagnosis of Alcohol Abuse or Alcohol Dependence, the Individual Has Successfully Completed Inpatient Treatment or Outpatient Rehabilitation Along with Aftercare Requirements.Applicant did not successfully complete the inpatient treatment or outpatient aftercare requirements.
- H MC 4rejectedSatisfactory Completion of a Prescribed Drug Treatment Program, Including Rehabilitation and Aftercare Requirements, Without Recurrence of Abuse, and a Favorable Diagnosis by a Credentialed Medical Professional.Applicant's history of drug abuse and failure to disclose marijuana use raises doubts about future commitment.
- F MC 3appliedThe Conditions That Resulted in the Behavior Were Largely Beyond the Person's Control.Applicant's financial issues were exacerbated by medical conditions.
- F MC 6rejectedThe Individual Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve Debts.Insufficient evidence of a good-faith effort to resolve tax problems.
Key Rule Quoted
“The granting (or continuance) of a security clearance under this Directive may only be done upon a finding that to do so is clearly consistent with the national interest.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedAug 24, 2003
- Answer filedSep 22, 2003
- Hearing held—Decided on a written record.
- Decision dateApr 9, 2004
Cite For
- Denial Based on Excessive Alcohol Consumption and Drug Involvement Under Guidelines G and H
- Issues of Personal Conduct Due to Deliberate Omissions on Security Clearance Application Under Guideline E
- Financial Considerations Impacting Security Clearance Eligibility Under Guideline F.