ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS


	IN THE CASE OF:  

	BOARD DATE:  4 September 2019

	DOCKET NUMBER:  AR20180003832


APPLICANT REQUESTS:  his correct social security number be annotated on his DD Form 214 (Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge).

APPLICANT'S SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED BY THE BOARD: 

* DD Form 149 (Application for Correction of Military Record)
* VA Form 21-526EZ (Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits)
* DD Form 214

FACTS:

1.  The applicant did not file within the three year time frame provided in Title 10, United States Code (USC), section 1552 (b); however, the Army Board for Correction of Military Records conducted a substantive review of this case and determined it is in the interest of justice to excuse the applicant's failure to timely file. 

2.  The applicant states he needs the correct social security number on his DD Form 214.  He went in the service at the age of 17 and was given the incorrect SSN.  He provides the SSN on his service records and the SSN number he would like corrected.  He would like it corrected because he is trying to purchase a home through the Government.

3.  The applicant provides the above referenced documents.

4.  A review of the applicant’s service record shows:

a. He enlisted in the Regular Army on 5 May 1971.

b.  He served in Germany from 7 February 1972 to 19 May 1973.

   c.  The SSN on his DD Form 4 (Enlistment Contract), DA Form 20 (Enlisted Qualification Record), and his DD Form 214 are identical.  The applicant does not provide any further documentation to substantiate the SSN number he stated was the correct SSN.
   
   d.  On 22 May 1973, he was released from active duty with a general, under honorable conditions characterization of service.  His DD Form 214 shows he completed 1 year, 11 months, and 27 days of active service with 19 days of lost time.

5.  By regulation, the DD Form 214 is a summary of the Soldier's most recent period of continuous active duty.  It provides a brief, clear-cut record of all current active, prior active, and prior inactive duty service at the time of release from active duty, retirement, or discharge.  The information entered thereon reflects the conditions as they existed at the time of separation.

BOARD DISCUSSION:

After review of the application and all evidence, the Board determined the evidence presented does not demonstrate the existence of a probable error or injustice.  The applicant used the contested SSN during his entire period of service.  Therefore, the Board determined the overall merits of this case are insufficient as a basis for correction of the records of the individual concerned.

The Army has an interest in maintaining the integrity of its records for historical purposes.  The information in those records must reflect the conditions and circumstances that existed at the time the records were created.  In the absence of evidence that shows a material error or injustice, there is a reluctance to recommend that those records be changed. 

The applicant is advised that a copy of this decisional document, along with his application and the supporting evidence he provided, will be filed in his official military records.  This should serve to clarify any questions or confusion regarding the difference in the SSN recorded in his military records and to satisfy his desire to have his SSN documented in his military records.

BOARD VOTE:
Mbr 1	Mbr 2	Mbr 3

:	:	:	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 the overall merits of this case are insufficient as a basis for correction of the records of the individual concerned.

	 
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.

REFERENCES:

1.  Title 10, USC, section 1552(b), provides that applications for correction of military records must be filed within three 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 three-year statute of limitations if the ABCMR determines it would be in the interest of justice to do so.

2.  Army Regulation (AR) 635-5 states the DD Form 214 is a summary of the Soldier's most recent period of continuous active duty.  It provides a brief, clear-cut record of all current active, prior active, and prior inactive duty service at the time of release from active duty, retirement, or discharge.  The information entered thereon reflects the conditions as they existed at the time of separation.

//NOTHING FOLLOWS//

ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont)	 AR20180003832


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