IN THE CASE OF: BOARD DATE: 3 MARCH 2016 DOCKET NUMBER: AR20150008639 BOARD VOTE: _________ _______ ________ GRANT FULL RELIEF ________ ________ ________ GRANT PARTIAL RELIEF ________ ________ ________ GRANT FORMAL HEARING ____X___ ____X___ ____X___ DENY APPLICATION 2 Enclosures 1. Board Determination/Recommendation 2. Evidence and Consideration IN THE CASE OF: BOARD DATE: 3 MARCH 2016 DOCKET NUMBER: AR20150008639 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. Enclosure 1 IN THE CASE OF: BOARD DATE: 3 MARCH 2016 DOCKET NUMBER: AR20150008639 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-XXX1" instead of "XXX-XX-XXX7." 2. The applicant states, in effect, his SSN appears as "XXX-XX-XXX7" on his DD Form 214 and it should be "XXX-XX-XXX1." 3. The applicant provides copies of his DD Form 214 and social security card. 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. On 12 May 1971, the applicant enlisted in the Regular Army. His DD Form 4 (Enlistment Contract – Armed Forces of the United States) lists his SSN as "XXX-XX-XXX7." 3. The following documents, created during his first enlistment, show his SSN as "XXX-XX-XXX7": * DD Form 369 (Police Record Check), dated 18 May 1971 * DD Form 398 (Statement of Personal History), dated 6 April 1972 * DA Form 2-1 (Personnel Qualification Record) 4. His record contains numerous orders and other personnel, medical, and legal documents, to include a Standard Form 88 (Report of Medical Examination), dated 19 February 1974, which show the last four digits of his SSN as "XXX7." He authenticated many of these forms by placing his signature in the appropriate block. 5. He was honorably released from active duty on 3 June 1974. Item 3 (SSN) of the DD Form 214 documenting this period of service shows his SSN as "XXX-XX-XXX7." 6. His available record is void of documentation that shows he used the requested SSN during his period of military service. 7. The applicant provides a copy of his social security card, issued by the Social Security Administration, which shows his SSN as "XXX-XX-XXX1." REFERENCES: Army Regulation 635-5 (Separation Documents), in effect at the time, established standardized policy for preparing and distributing the DD Form 214. The purpose of the separation document is to provide an individual with documentary evidence of his or her military service. It is important that information entered on the form is complete and accurate. DISCUSSION: 1. The applicant's request for correction of his DD Form 214 to show his SSN as "XXX-XX-XXX1" instead of "XXX-XX-XXX7" was carefully considered. 2. The evidence of record confirms when the applicant enlisted, his SSN was recorded as "XXX-XX-XXX7" and this SSN was used throughout his entire period of active duty service. He authenticated many forms verifying the authenticity of this SSN. 3. 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 that the applicant now desires to record a different SSN throughout his military records, there is not a sufficiently compelling reason for compromising the integrity of the Army's records at this late date. 4. Therefore, lacking convincing independent and verifiable evidence that shows the requested SSN was used during his period of active service, it is presumed his military service records, including the DD Form 214, were correct at the time and there is insufficient evidentiary basis for granting the applicant's requested relief in this case. 5. The applicant is advised that a copy of this decisional document that confirms his current SSN will be filed in his official military personnel file (OMPF). This should serve to clarify any questions or confusion regarding the difference in the SSN recorded in his military records and satisfy his desire to have his current SSN documented in his OMPF. // Nothing Follows // ABCMR Record of Proceedings AR20150000953 Enclosure 2 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20150008639 3 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Enclosure 2