IN THE CASE OF: BOARD DATE: 2 December 2020 DOCKET NUMBER: AR20200002718 APPLICANT REQUESTS: correction of his DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) to reflect his social security number (SSN) as XXX-XX- XXXX in lieu of xxx-xx-xxxx. APPLICANT'S SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED BY THE BOARD: * DD Form 149 (Application for Correction of Military Record) * DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) * Social Security card FACTS: 1. The applicant did not file within the three-year time frame provided in Title 10, United States Code, section 1552(b); however, the ABCMR 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 his social security number is incorrect on his DD Form 214, and would like to have it corrected. He is unable to access Veterans Affairs healthcare services with the incorrect number. He states the incorrect SSN is xxx-xx- xxxx, and the correct SSN is XXX-XX-XXXX. He would like the correct SSN displayed on his DD Form 214. 3. The applicant provided his DD Form 214 (Service-2 copy) that shows his SSN as xxx-xx-xxxx while serving during the period from 29 July 1986 to 26 April 1990. 4. The applicant provided a copy of his Social Security card, dated 13 September 2013, with the number XXX-XX-XXXX. 5. He enlisted in the U. S. Army Reserve on 18 December 1985 with the SSN of xxx-xx-xxxx as reflected on his DD Form 4 (Enlistment/Reenlistment Document). 6. The applicant enlisted in the Regular Army on 29 July 1986 under the same SSN. 7. He had an immediate reenlistment on 16 March 1989 under the same SSN. 8. The applicant’s Personnel Qualification Record – Part II, containing the SSN of record as xxx-xx-xxxx was signed by the applicant on 26 November 1986. 9. The applicant’s Personnel Qualification Record – Part I, containing the SSN of record as xxx-xx-xxxx was prepared on 11 September 1986 and 13 February 1990. 10. Orders number 73-328, dated 18 April 1990, published by the Headquarters, 7th Infantry Division (Light) and Fort Ord show the applicant’s SSN of xxx-xx-xxxx. 11. The DD Form 214 (Service-2 copy) from his service record shows his SSN as xxx-xx-xxxx while serving during the period from 29 July 1986 to 26 April 1990. 12. There is no available evidence of record showing the SSN XXX-XX-XXXX was ever used during his military service. 13. On 5 March 2020, the Army Review Boards Agency (ARBA) sent a letter to the applicant acknowledging the receipt of his application. The U.S. Postal Service returned the letter to ARBA as “not deliverable as addressed and unable to forward”. BOARD DISCUSSION: After reviewing the application and all supporting documents, the Board found that relief was not warranted. The Board carefully considered the applicants request, supporting documents and evidence in the records. The Board considered the applicant’s statement, his military service record and documents provided by the applicant. 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 XXX XXX XXX 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, United States 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 ABCMR to excuse an applicant's failure to timely file within the 3-year statute of limitations if the Army Board for Correction of Military Records (ABCMR) determines it would be in the interest of justice to do so. 2. Army Regulation 635-5 (Separation Documents), in effect at the time, prescribed the separation documents that must be prepared for Soldiers at the time of retirement, discharge, or release from active duty service or control of the Active Army. It established standardized policy for preparing and distributing the DD Form 214. The general instructions stated all available records would be used as a basis for preparation of the DD Form 214. The specific instructions for completion of item 3 (Social Security Number) state to verify accuracy with the SSN of record. //NOTHING FOLLOWS// ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20200002718 4 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 1