BOARD DATE: 8 May 2012 DOCKET NUMBER: AR20110022033 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 that his DD Form 214 (Report of Separation from Active Duty) be corrected to reflect the Social Security Number (SSN) depicted on his Social Security Card. 2. The applicant states that a clerical error resulted in his SSN being incorrectly depicted on his DD Form 214. 3. The applicant provides copies of his Social Security Card, driver’s license, and a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). 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 in Los Angeles, California on 20 December 1973 using the SSN that is depicted on his DD Form 214. He was transferred to Fort Ord, California to undergo basic and advanced individual training (AIT) as a food service specialist. 3. The DD Form 214 he was issued at the time of his 20 September 1974 discharge reflects the SSN that the applicant used when he enlisted. Additionally, all documents in his records, to include those completed by the applicant reflect the same SSN that is reflected on his DD Form 214. 4. Army Regulation 635-5 (Separation Documents) serves as the authority for the preparation of the DD Form 214. It provides that the DD Form 214 will be prepared to reflect information as it exists in the official records at the time of separation. Changes that occur subsequent to the date the DD Form 214 is issued are not authorized for entry on the DD Form 214. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: 1. The evidence of record shows the SSN depicted on the applicant’s DD Form 214 is the SSN that he enlisted and served under during all of his service. Accordingly, the SSN was not entered on his DD Form 214 in error at the time of discharge. He did not use the requested SSN when he served in an active status. Therefore, there is no evidence of record or independent evidence that suggests his military records exhibit a material error or injustice. 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 that the applicant desires to now have the requested SSN entered in his military record 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 which confirms his requested 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 satisfy his desire to have the requested SSN documented in his OMPF. 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) AR20110022033 3 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 1 ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20110022033 3 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 1