IN THE CASE OF:

		BOARD DATE: 13 September 2023

		DOCKET NUMBER: AR20230001883


APPLICANT REQUESTS: 

*	correction of Item 3 (Social Security Number) on his DD Forms 214 (Armed 
Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge) to reflect the social 
security number (SSN) as shown on his social security card
*	video or telephonic appearance before the Board

APPLICANT'S SUPPORTING DOCUMENT(S) CONSIDERED BY THE BOARD:

*	DD Form 149 (Application for Correction of Military Record)
*	DD Form 214, 20 April 1970
*	DD Form 214, 31 March 1972
*	social security card

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 his SSN is incorrect. When he enlisted in the Army, they gave 
him the contested number and told him that was his service number. When he got out of 
the service, he got a regular SSN when he went to get a job.

3.  The applicant enlisted in the Regular Army on 30 July 1969. His DD Form 4 
(Enlistment Contract, Armed Forces of the United States) shows the contested number 
as his service number.

4.  He was honorably discharged for immediate reenlistment on 20 April 1970. His 
DD Form 214 shows the contested SSN.

5.  He reenlisted on 21 April 1970 for a period of 3 years. His service number is 
reflected.
6.  He was discharged under honorable conditions on 31 March 1972. His DD Form 214 
shows his SSN as the contested number.

7.  The applicant provides his social security card which reflects the requested SSN.

8.  By regulation, Army Regulation 635-5 (Separation Documents) the DD Form 214 is a 
summary of the Soldier's most recent period of continuous active duty. The information 
entered thereon reflects the conditions as they existed at the time of separation.

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 determined relief was not warranted and 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.

4.  The applicant’s request for a personal appearance hearing was carefully considered.  
In this case, the evidence of record was sufficient to render a fair and equitable 
decision.  As a result, a personal appearance hearing is not necessary to serve the 
interest of equity and justice in this case.

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 (AR) 15-185 (ABCMR) prescribes the policies and procedures for 
correction of military records by the Secretary of the Army, acting through the ABCMR. 
The ABCMR begins its consideration of each case with the presumption of 
administrative regularity, which is that what the Army did was correct.

	a.  The ABCMR is not an investigative body and decides cases based on the 
evidence that is presented in the military records provided and the independent 
evidence submitted with the application. The applicant has the burden of proving an 
error or injustice by a preponderance of the evidence.

	b.  The ABCMR may, in its discretion, hold a hearing or request additional evidence 
or opinions. Additionally, it states in paragraph 2-11 applicants do not have a right to a 
hearing before the ABCMR. The Director or the ABCMR may grant a formal hearing 
whenever justice requires.

3.  In accordance with a directive from the Office of the Secretary of Defense, effective 1 
July 1969, the SSN replaced the military service number.

4.  AR 600-2 (Name and Birth Data, Social Security Account Number, and Temporary 
Identification Number), in effect at the time (effective 1 July 1969), prescribed the 
procedures to be used for recording, issuance or changing of several items of personnel 
information normally used as a means of personnel identification.

	a.  This regulation prescribed the procedures for issuance of a TIN as a means of 
personnel identification for those individuals being processed for military service who 
did not have a SSN. A TIN was issued during the pre-enlistment processing for 
entrance into the active Army to those individuals who did not have an SSN. The TIN 
was a 9-digit number that always began with the number "9." Individuals were required 
to apply for a social security card if one had never been issued or a duplicate card if his 
was lost or mutilated.

	b.  The TIN was entered in pencil in those items reserved for recording the SSN at 
the time of pre-enlistment or pre-induction processing. Upon receipt of an SSN card by 
the individual the pencil entry of the TIN will be replaced by permanent entry of the 
SSN. For those individuals who came on active duty without an SSN, the TIN was 
entered as a permanent entry. Upon receipt of an SSN the TIN was lined out and the 
SSN entered.

5.  AR 635-5 (Separation Documents) the DD Form 214 is a summary of the Soldier's 
most recent period of continuous active duty. The information entered thereon reflects 
the conditions as they existed at the time of separation. Item 3 states transcribe social 
security number from DA Form 2139 (Military Pay Voucher).

//NOTHING FOLLOWS//
ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont)	AR20230001883


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ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS


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