IN THE CASE OF: BOARD DATE: 17 December 2015 DOCKET NUMBER: AR20150015442 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 Forms 214 (Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge) to show his social security number (SSN) as "20-3-XXXX" instead of "230-5-XXXX." 2. The applicant states he was identified by his service number and not an SSN during his time on active duty. The SSN listed on his DD Forms 214 is incorrect. 3. The applicant provides a letter from the Social Security Administration (SSA). 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 31 July 1962, the applicant enlisted in the Regular Army. Item 2 (Service Number) of his DD Form 4 (Enlistment Record – Armed Forces of the United States) shows his service number; his SSN does not appear on this form. 3. His record shows his SSN as "230-5-XXXX" on the following documents: * DA Form 137 (Installation Clearance Record) * DA Form 20 (Enlisted Qualification Record) * DA Form 302-R (Statement of Medical Condition) 4. On 2 August 1964, he was discharged for the purpose of immediate reenlistment. His SSN is shown in item 32 (Remarks) of his DD Form 214 issued at that time as "230-5-XXXX." 5. The DD Form 4 he signed on 29 August 1964 shows his service number, his SSN is not listed in this form. 6. On 3 April 1970, he was discharged. Item 3 (SSN) of the DD Form 214 issued at that time shows the SSN "230-5-XXXX." It is noted that the last digit of the SSN on this DD Form 214 is different from that shown on other documents in his military personnel records jacket (MPRJ). 7. The majority of documents in his MPRJ identify him by his service number. The requested SSN does not appear on any documents in his MPRJ. . He provided a letter from the SSA which shows his SSN as "20-3-XXXX." 9. 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 31 July 1962 using his service number. His service number was the primary means of identification used throughout his entire period of military service. 2. Certain documents did list his SSN. Those documents show his SSN as "230-5-XXXX." The SSN he states is correct does not appear on any documents in his MPRJ. 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 the SSN he states is correct in his military records, there is not a sufficiently compelling reason for compromising the integrity of the Army's records at this time. 4. 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 recorded in his military record 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) AR20150015442 3 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 1 ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20150015442 3 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 1