IN THE CASE OF BOARD DATE: 10 June 2014 DOCKET NUMBER: AR20130018513 THE BOARD CONSIDERED THE FOLLOWING EVIDENCE: 1. Application for correction of military records (with supporting documents provided, if any). 2. Military Personnel Records and advisory opinions (if any). THE APPLICANT'S REQUEST, STATEMENT, AND EVIDENCE: 1. The applicant requests correction of his DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) to show his social security number (SSN) as XXX-XX-XXX4 instead of XXX-XX-XXX9. 2. He states his DD Form 214 has the wrong SSN. 3. He provides: * DD Form 214 * Social Security Card * Michigan Driver’s License CONSIDERATION OF EVIDENCE: 1. Title 10, U.S. Code, section 1552(b), provides that applications for correction of military records must be filed within 3 years after discovery of the alleged error or injustice. This provision of law also allows the Army Board for Correction of Military Records (ABCMR) to excuse an applicant's failure to timely file within the 3-year statute of limitations if the ABCMR determines it would be in the interest of justice to do so. While it appears the applicant did not file within the time frame provided in the statute of limitations, the ABCMR has elected to conduct a substantive review of this case and, only to the extent relief, if any, is granted, has determined it is in the interest of justice to excuse the applicant's failure to timely file. In all other respects, there are insufficient bases to waive the statute of limitations for timely filing. 2. The applicant enlisted in the Regular Army on 23 July 1981. 3. The applicant's military records contain various documents, such as his DA Form 2-1 (Personnel Qualification Record – Part II) and Standard Form 600 (Chronological Record of Medical Care) which list his SSN as XXX-XX-XXX9 (the contested SSN). He authenticated these forms by placing his signature in the appropriate block. 4. He was honorably released from active duty on 11 July 1984. Item 3 (SSN) of his DD Form 214 shows his SSN as XXX-XX-XXX9. He authenticated this form with his signature. 5. He provided a copy of his social security card and Michigan Driver’s License that show his SSN as XXX-XX-XXX4. 6. Army Regulation 635-5 (Separation Documents), in effect at the time, prescribed the separation documents that must be prepared for Soldiers on retirement, discharge, or release from active duty service or control of the Active Army. It established standardized policy for preparing and distributing the DD Form 214 and stated the DD Form 214 is a synopsis of the Soldier's most recent period of continuous active duty. It provides a brief, clear-cut record of active Army service at the time of release from active duty, retirement, or discharge. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: 1. The applicant's request for correction of the SSN shown on his DD Form 214 was carefully considered. 2. The evidence of record shows the applicant entered active military service using the SSN XXX-XX-XXX9 and he signed official documents throughout his period of military service which listed his SSN as XXX-XX-XXX9, which he now claims incorrect. 3. For historical purposes, the Army has an interest in maintaining the accuracy of its records. The data and information contained in those records should reflect the conditions and circumstances that existed at the time the records were created. In the absence of a showing of material error or injustice, there is a reluctance to recommend that those records be changed. While it is understandable the applicant desires to now record his current SSN in his military records, there is not a sufficiently compelling reason for compromising the integrity of the Army's records at this late date. 4. The applicant is advised that a copy of this decisional document which shows the SSN he currently uses will be filed in his military records. This should serve to clarify any questions or confusion regarding the difference in the SSN recorded in his military records and to satisfy his desire to have his current SSN documented in his military records. BOARD VOTE: ________ ________ ________ GRANT FULL RELIEF ________ ________ ________ GRANT PARTIAL RELIEF ________ ________ ________ GRANT FORMAL HEARING ___X____ ___X____ ___X____ DENY APPLICATION BOARD DETERMINATION/RECOMMENDATION: The evidence presented does not demonstrate the existence of a probable error or injustice. Therefore, the Board determined that the overall merits of this case are insufficient as a basis for correction of the records of the individual concerned. __________X__________ CHAIRPERSON I certify that herein is recorded the true and complete record of the proceedings of the Army Board for Correction of Military Records in this case. ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20130018513 3 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 1 ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20130018513 2 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 1