IN THE CASE OF: BOARD DATE: 10 December 2015 DOCKET NUMBER: AR20150005226 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-0XXX" instead of "XXX-XX-6XXX." 2. The applicant states his SSN is listed incorrectly on his DD Form 214 and he would like to apply for medical benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs. 3. The applicant provides: * DD Form 214 * Driver’s license * social security card * a letter from the Social Security Administration 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 17 January 1961, the applicant enlisted in the Regular Army. His DD Form 4 (Enlistment Record – Armed Forces of the United States) identifies him by his service number, not his SSN. 3. Item 1 (Name and Service Number) of his DA Form 20 (Enlisted Qualification Record) shows his service number; his SSN is not listed on this form. 4. A DA Form 24 (Service Record) covering the period 17 January 1961 through 31 December 1963 shows his SSN as "XXX-XX-6XXX." 5. On 31 December 1963, he was honorably released from active duty and transferred to the U.S. Army Reserve (USAR). His SSN is shown in item 32 (Remarks) of his DD Form 214 issued at that time as "XXX-XX-6XXX." 6. The requested SSN does not appear on any documents in his MPRJ. 7. He provides his social security card and a letter from the Social Security Administration, which shows his SSN as"XXX-XX-0XXX." 8. Army Regulation 635-5 (Separation Documents) establishes the standardized policy for preparing and distributing the DD Form 214. The regulation states the purpose of the separation document is to provide the individual with documentary evidence of his or her military service at the time of release from active duty, retirement, or discharge. It is important that information entered on the form be complete and accurate and reflects the conditions as they existed at the time of separation. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: 1. The applicant enlisted in the Regular Army on 17 January 1961. His DD Form 4 identifies him by his service number, not his SSN. 2. He consistently used his service number throughout his entire period of military service; however, at least one document recorded his SSN as "XXX-XX-6XXX." There is no evidence he used the requested SSN during his period of military service. 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. While it is understandable the applicant desires to now record his requested SSN in his military records, there is not a sufficiently compelling reason for compromising the integrity of the Army's records. 3. A copy of this Record of Proceedings will be filed in the applicant’s military record to provide clarity and to deal with any confusion that may arise regarding the difference in the SSN under which it appears he performed his military service and the SSN he now uses. 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) AR20150005226 3 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 1 ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20150005226 3 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 1