IN THE CASE OF: BOARD DATE: 1 March 2012 DOCKET NUMBER: AR20110017511 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-8xxx" instead of "xxx-xx-2xxx." 2. The applicant states it was a typographical error. 3. The applicant provides: * his DD Form 214 * a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), dated 30 September 1996, showing his SSN as "xxx-xx-8xxx" 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 1 July 1964 for a period of 3 years. He was trained in and awarded military occupational specialty 36C (Lineman) 3. During his period of service Soldiers were issued a military service number as their primary identification number. They were not identified or managed by their SSN. However, his record contains a DA Form 41 (Record of Emergency Data), dated 6 February 1967, that shows in item 9 (SSN) the entry "xxx-xx-2xxx." This form further contains the applicant's signature attesting to the information he provided therein. The number in item 9 matches the SSN entered on his DD Form 214. 4. On 30 June 1967, the applicant was honorably released from active duty at the expiration of his term of service. He was transferred to the U.S. Army Reserve (USAR) Control Group (Reinforcement) to complete his remaining Reserve obligation. His DD Form 214 shows the SSN he claims is incorrect. 5. Army Regulation 635-5 (Separation Documents) as then in effect, required the SSN to be entered in Item 3 of the DD Form 214. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: 1. The applicant contends his DD Form 214 should be corrected to show his SSN as "xxx-xx-8xxx" as shown on his VA letter. 2. The evidence of record shows the applicant enlisted in the Regular Army, he served, and he was honorably released from active duty, all while using a military service number. 3. The applicant's military record contains only two documents showing his SSN. Both documents show the SSN of "xxx-xx-2xxx," which he now claims is incorrect. 4. The available evidence does not sufficiently show the SSN in the applicant's military record is in error. 5. 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. 6. The applicant is advised that a copy of this decisional document, which shows 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 his correct SSN documented in his OMPF. 7. In view of the foregoing, there is an insufficient evidentiary basis for granting the applicant's requested relief. 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) AR20110017511 3 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 1 ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20110017511 3 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 1