IN THE CASE OF: BOARD DATE: 21 March 2017 DOCKET NUMBER: AR20150016549 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: 21 March 2017 DOCKET NUMBER: AR20150016549 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. IN THE CASE OF: BOARD DATE: 21 March 2017 DOCKET NUMBER: AR20150016549 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 records to show his social security number (SSN) as "XXX-XX-0XXX" instead of "XXX-XX-9XXX." 2. The applicant states his DD Form 214 (Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge) shows an incorrect SSN. 3. The applicant provides a copy of his DD 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. DA Form 61 (Application for Appointment) shows the applicant used SSN "XXX-XX-9XXX," the SSN he now contends as incorrect, on 16 October 1962, when he applied for appointment as an officer in the U.S. Army Reserves (USAR). He authenticated the form with his signature. 3. The applicant was appointed in the USAR and was ordered to active duty on 22 March 1963. His official documentation shows his service number was primarily used to identify him during this period of service. 4. The applicant was released from active duty on 30 April 1967. His DD Form 214, for the period ending 30 April 1967, shows his SSN as "XXX-XX-9XXX." He authenticated block 32 (Signature of Person Being Transferred or Discharged) with his signature, thereby acknowledging the correctness of the data contained therein. 5. The applicant's provides a copy of his DD Form 214 with a "0" written above the "9" on his SSN. His record does not contain evidence that shows he used SSN "XXX-XX-0XXX" during his period of military service. REFERENCES: Army Regulation 635-5 (Separations Documents), in effect at the time of the applicant's active duty service, 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 the 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 service. It provides a brief, clear-cut record of active Army service at the time of release from active duty, retirement, or discharge. DISCUSSION: 1. The applicant's request for correction of his DD Form 214 to show his SSN as "XXX-XX-0XXX" instead of "XXX-XX-9XXX" was carefully considered. 2. It appears the applicant assumed his SSN was "XXX-XX-9XXX" until he noticed a different number used elsewhere. His record shows he used "XXX-XX-9XXX" as his SSN throughout his entire period of service. 3. For historical purposes, the Army has an interest in maintaining the accuracy of its records. In this regard, 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. 4. Therefore, lacking convincing independent and verifiable evidence that shows the requested SSN was used at least once during his period of active service, it is presumed his military service records, including the DD Form 214, were correct at the time they were created. 5. The applicant is advised that a copy of this decisional document, along with his application and the supporting evidence he provided, will be filed in his official military records. 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 SSN, as shown on his social security card, documented in his military records. //NOTHING FOLLOWS// ABCMR Record of Proceedings AR20150000953 Enclosure 1 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20150014642 2 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Enclosure 1 ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20150016549 3 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Enclosure 2