IN THE CASE OF: BOARD DATE: 19 October 2011 DOCKET NUMBER: AR20110008448 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 change the fourth digit of his Social Security Number (SSN) from "8" to “6.” 2. He states he discovered the error at the time of his discharge. 3. He provides: * A copy of his social security account number (SSAN) card * His 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. His records show that prior to his induction into the Army of the United States, he completed a DD Form 398 (Statement of Personal History). This form is a handwritten document, completed by the inductee, and it shows he entered his SSN with the fourth digit of “8.” 3. His Record of Induction shows he was inducted into the Army on 10 July 1968. His SSN is not shown on this document. 4. A copy of an Application for Identification Card shows his SSN with the fourth digit of “8.” 5. He was honorably released from active duty on 9 July 1970 after completing 2 years of net active service. Item 3 (SSN) shows his SSN to as "xxx-8x-xxxx." 6. He provided a copy of his SSAN card which depicts his SSN as "xxx-6x-xxxx.” 7. Army Regulation 635-5 (Separation Documents) provides guidance on the preparation of the DD Form 214. This regulation has historically stated that item 3 of the DD Form 214 will contain the SSN taken from the Soldier's personnel record. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: 1. His request to change his SSN on his DD Form 214 was carefully considered; however, it is not supported by the evidence of record. 2. Although he provided his SSAN card which verifies his correct SSN is “xxx-6x-xxxx,” it appears that prior to his induction into the Army he completed a Statement of Personal History using the SSN “xxx-8x-xxxx” and continued to use this number throughout his military career. 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 correct 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. He is advised that a copy of this decisional document which confirms his correct SSN will be filed in his Official Military Personnel File (OMPF). This should serve to clarify any questions or confusion in regard to the difference in the SSN recorded in his military record and to satisfy his desire to have the correct SSN documented in his OMPF. 5. Therefore, there is insufficient evidence to grant him relief in this case. 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) AR20110008448 3 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 1 ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20110008448 2 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 1