IN THE CASE OF: BOARD DATE: 15 December 2015 DOCKET NUMBER: AR20150006129 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 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) to show his social security number (SSN) as "xxx-x7-x" instead of "xxx-x6-x." 2. The applicant states his SSN was incorrectly recorded on his DD Form 214. 3. The applicant provides a copy of his SSN card and his State of California Driver License. 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 completed a DD Form 1966/1-8 (Application for Enlistment - Armed Forces of the United States) on 24 October 1980, wherein he listed his SSN as "xxx-x6-x." 3. He enlisted in the Regular Army on 27 January 1981. His DD Form 4/1-4 (Enlistment/Reenlistment Document - Armed Forces of the United States) shows his SSN as "xxx-x6-x." 4. A review of his Official Military Personnel File (OMPF) reveals he served under the SSN he claims is incorrect throughout his entire military service. There is no evidence in his OMPF that shows he ever listed the SSN he now claims is correct. When required, he authenticated various documents by placing his signature where necessary. 5. He was released from active duty on 8 July 1982. His DD Form 214 shows his SSN as "xxx-x6-x." 6. He provides copies of his social security card, which shows his SSN as "xxx-x7-x" and his State of California Driver License, which does not show his SSN. 7. Army Regulation 635-5 (Separations Documents), in effect during 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 AND CONCLUSIONS: 1. The applicant's contention that his DD Form 214 should be corrected to show a different SSN has been carefully considered. 2. The evidence of record shows he listed the contested SSN "xxx-x6-x" throughout his entire period of military service. He did not list the requested SSN at any point during his period of military service. 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 evidence showing a material error or injustice, there is a reluctance to recommend that those records be changed. While it is understandable the applicant now desires to record a different 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. The applicant is advised that a copy of this decisional document will be filed in his OMPF. This should serve to clarify any questions or confusion in regard to the difference in the SSN recorded in his military record and the SSN shown on his social security card. 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) AR20140012813 3 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 1 ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20150006129 3 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 1