IN THE CASE OF:  	  

		BOARD DATE:  3 September 2015	  

		DOCKET NUMBER:  AR20150001015 


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 (Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge) to show his social security number (SSN) as XXX-XX-xxxx.

2.  The applicant states:

* his SSN is incorrect on his DD Form 214
* the Social Security Administration (SSA) issued him a social security card as a young boy with an incorrect SSN
* he used the incorrect SSN during his military career because it was the number he was originally issued
* in 1990, the SSA sent him a letter saying they made a mistake and he was then issued the correct SSN

3.  The applicant provides:

* social security card
* DD Form 214

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 11 March 1986 for a period of 3 years.  His DD Form 4 (Enlistment/Reenlistment Document – Armed Forces of the United States) shows his SSN as XXX-XX-xxxx.  He was honorably discharged on 30 October 1986 by reason of physical disability with severance pay.

3.  Item 3 (SSN) of his DD Form 214 shows his SSN as XXX-XX-xxxx.

4.  All of his service personnel records show his SSN as XXX-XX-xxxx.

5.  He provided his social security card that shows his SSN as XXX-XX-xxxx.

6.  Army Regulation 635-5 (Separation Documents), in effect at the time, prescribed the separation documents prepared for Soldiers upon retirement, discharge, or release from active military service or control of the Army.  It established standardized policy for preparation of the DD Form 214.  It 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 evidence of record shows the SSN XXX-XX-xxxx was recorded when the applicant enlisted in 1986 and was used exclusively throughout his service.  His DD Form 4 and DD Form 214 record this same SSN.

2.  For historical purposes, the Army has an interest in maintaining the integrity 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 he now desires to 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.

3.  The applicant is advised that a copy of this decisional document will be filed in his military records.  This should serve to clarify any questions or confusion regarding the SSN recorded on his DD Form 214 and the SSN on file with the SSA.

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 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)                                         AR20150001015



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ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont)                                         AR20150001015



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