BOARD DATE: 28 July 2016 DOCKET NUMBER: AR20150014505 BOARD VOTE: _________ _______ ________ GRANT FULL RELIEF ________ ________ ________ GRANT PARTIAL RELIEF ________ ________ ________ GRANT FORMAL HEARING __x______ __x______ _x____ DENY APPLICATION 2 Enclosures 1. Board Determination/Recommendation 2. Evidence and Consideration BOARD DATE: 28 July 2016 DOCKET NUMBER: AR20150014505 BOARD DETERMINATION/RECOMMENDATION: The evidence presented does not demonstrate the existence of a probable error or injustice. Therefore, the Board determined 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. BOARD DATE: 28 July 2016 DOCKET NUMBER: AR20150014505 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) for the period ending 21 May 1986 by amending his social security number (SSN). 2. The applicant states, in effect: * the SSN currently listed on his DD Form 214 is wrong * instead of , it should read * he is trying to get a loan through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the bank will not accept his application because his SSN does not match 3. The applicant provides: * DD Form 214 for the period ending 21 May 1986 * Orders Number D-07-054571, dated 20 July 1988 * a photocopy of his SSN card 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 21 July 1982. 3. On 21 May 1986, he was honorably released from active duty. His DD Form 214 lists his SSN as . 4. All documents found in his available service record list his SSN as 251-XX-XXXX, to include: * DA Form 2A (Personnel Qualification Record - Part I); item 3 (VSSSN Code) shows "V" (meaning the Army automated record agrees with the Social Security Administration automated record) * DA Form 2-1 (Personnel Qualification Record - Part II) * DD Form 4 (Enlistment/Reenlistment Document - Armed Forces of the U.S.), dated 20 August 1981 * DD Form 1966 (Application for Enlistment - Armed Forces of the U.S.), page 7, item 40 (Data Verification by Recruiter, enter a description of the actual document used to verify items), sub-item e (Social Security Number), lists social security card REFERENCES: Army Regulation 635-5 (Personnel Separations - Separation Documents), in effect at the time, prescribed policies and procedures for the completion of the DD Form 214. Source documents include the DA Form 2-1 as well as orders. This regulation essentially states item 3 will show the SSN, as listed in source documents. DISCUSSION: 1. Although he provides a copy of an SSN card indicating his SSN is , the evidence of record shows, throughout his term of military service, his SSN consistently appeared as . In addition, every document in his available service personnel record consistently listed his SSN as . 2. Based on his SSN card, it appears his SSN is currently ; but this SSN was not what he used when he served on active duty. In addition, this new information does not change the conditions and circumstances that existed at the time his service records were created. 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 record his current 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 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. 5. The ABCMR does not grant requests for the correction of military records solely for the purpose of making an applicant eligible for VA benefits. Any questions regarding benefits should be addressed to the VA. //NOTHING FOLLOWS//