IN THE CASE OF: BOARD DATE: 14 September 2022 DOCKET NUMBER: AR20220002264 APPLICANT REQUESTS: correction of his DD Form 214 (Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge) to show the social security number (SSN) on his social security card. APPLICANT'S SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED BY THE BOARD: * DD Form 149 (Application for Correction of Military Record) * DD Form 214 * Social Security Card * Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) letter 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 Army Board for Correction of Military Records (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 SSN is incorrect on his DD Form 214. He is trying to file a VA claim but cannot proceed until he has a correct DD Form 214 showing his correct SSN. 3. The applicant enlisted in the United States Army Reserve on 16 September 1972 for a period of 6 years. His DD Form 4 (Enlistment Contract - Armed Forces of the United States) shows the contested SSN. 4. The applicant was ordered to active duty for training effective 2 February 1973. Letter Orders T-12-366 show the contested SSN. 5. All documents in the applicant’s official military personnel file (OMPF) show the contested SSN. 6. The applicant was honorably discharged on 28 February 1973 under the provisions of AR 635-200 paragraph 5-9 for not meeting medical fitness standards. His DD Form 214 shows the contested SSN. 7. The applicant provided his social security card showing the requested SSN. He also provided a VA letter showing the requested SSN. BOARD DISCUSSION: 1. After reviewing the application, all supporting documents, and the evidence found within the military record, the Board found that relief was warranted. The Board carefully considered the applicant's record of service, documents submitted in support of the petition and executed a comprehensive and standard review based on law, policy and regulation. The Board determined the evidence presented does not demonstrate the existence of a probable error or injustice. The applicant used the contested social security number (SSN) during his entire period of service. The Board recommended the applicant seek assistance through the social security administration office for correction of his social security number and they will be able to merge them as well and notify the department of veteran affairs of the correction. One potential outcome was to deny based on maintain the integrity of the applicant’s service record. However, upon review of the applicant petition and available military records, the Board found adding in item 18 (Remarks) the also known as (AKA) to show is contested SSN would all the applicant documentation with his correct SSN along with this decisional document. Therefore, relief was granted. 2. 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. 3. 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 X X : GRANT FULL RELIEF : : : GRANT PARTIAL RELIEF : : : GRANT FORMAL HEARING : : X DENY APPLICATION BOARD DETERMINATION/RECOMMENDATION: The Board determined the evidence presented is sufficient to warrant a recommendation for relief. As a result, the Board recommends that all Department of the Army records of the individual concerned be corrected by amending his DD Form 214 for the period ending 28 February 1973, by in item 18 (Remarks) his SSN also known as (AKA) his SSN shown on his social security card. 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 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 ABCMR determines it would be in the interest of justice to do so. 2. Army Regulation (AR) 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. Chapter 2 (Preparation of Separation Documents) details when and how the DD Form 214 (Report of Separation from Active Duty) will be prepared. Section II, paragraph 2-8.c. addresses Item 3 (Social security number) and states to check records with separatee's social security card when possible; otherwise, verify the accuracy with the SSN of record. 3. AR 635-8 (Separation Processing and Documents) currently in effect prescribes policy and procedural guidance relating to transition management. It consolidated the policies, principles of support, and standards of service regarding processing personnel for transition. 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. When separation is ordered, the separation approval document must be present for transition processing these included the enlisted Record Brief or Officer Record Brief, separation approval documents, separation orders and any other document authorized for filing in the personnel records. The rules for completing the DD Form 214 state to verify its accuracy by reviewing the initial enlistment contracts and/or application for appointment. If the Soldier has had more than one SSN, list the other SSN of record in Block 18 (Remarks). Once a DD Form 214 has been issued, there are few exceptions requiring reissuance. An appellate authority can direct reissuance or direct issuance of a DD Form 215 (Correction to DD Form 214). //NOTHING FOLLOWS// ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20220002264 1 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 1