IN THE CASE OF: BOARD DATE: 13 September 2023 DOCKET NUMBER: AR20220010745 APPLICANT REQUESTS: correction of his DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) to show a different social security number (SSN). APPLICANT'S SUPPORTING DOCUMENT(S) CONSIDERED BY THE BOARD: DD Form 149 (Application for Correction of Military Record) FACTS: 1. The applicant did not file within the 3-year time frame provided in Title 10, U.S. 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 during his enlistment process, his mother gave him the incorrect SSN to provide to his recruiter (unintentionally). He did not realize the error until he was discharged and filed his taxes. The Social Security Administration sent him the correct SSN card in 1980. He needs the correct SSN on his DD Form 214 because he is seeking housing assistance. He was able to update his Department of Veterans Affairs home loan certification, but his DD Form 214 still shows the incorrect SSN. 3. The applicant enlisted in the Regular Army on 21 May 1979. His DD Form 4 (Enlistment or Reenlistment Agreement - Armed Forces of the United States) shows the contested SSN. 4. The applicant's DA Form 2-1 (Personnel Qualification Record – Part II) shows the contested SSN. 5. Orders issued on 6 March 1980 directed the applicant's discharge effective 7 March 1980. The orders show the SSN he claims is incorrect. 6. The applicant's DD Form 214 shows he was discharged on 7 March 1980. The DD Form 214 shows the contested SSN. 7. A review of the applicant's available records revealed he listed the contested SSN throughout the entire period of his military service. BOARD DISCUSSION: 1. After reviewing the application, all supporting documents, and the evidence found within the military record, the Board found that relief was not 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 determined the overall merits of this case are insufficient as a basis for correction of the records of the individual concerned. 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. Based on this the Board denied relief. 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 : : : 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, 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 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 635-5 (Separations Documents), in effect at the time, prescribed the separation documents prepared for Soldiers upon retirement, discharge, or release from active military service or control of the Army. It established standardized policy for the preparation of the DD Form 214. It states the DD Form 214 is a synopsis of the Soldier's most recent period of continuous active service. It provides a brief, clear-cut record of active Army service at the time of release from active duty, retirement, or discharge. //NOTHING FOLLOWS// ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20220010745 1 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 1