KEYWORD: Guideline F
DIGEST: The Appeal Board’s authority to review a case is limited to cases in which the
appealing party has alleged the Judge committed harmful error. Adverse decision affirmed.
CASENO: 15-04465.a1
DATE: 05/24/2017
DATE: May 24, 2017
In Re:
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Applicant for Security Clearance
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ISCR Case No. 15-04465
APPEAL BOARD SUMMARY DISPOSITION
APPEARANCES
FOR GOVERNMENT
James B. Norman, Esq., Chief Department Counsel
FOR APPLICANT
Pro Se
The Department of Defense (DoD) declined to grant Applicant a security clearance.  On
January 7, 2016, DoD  issued a statement of reasons (SOR) advising Applicant of the basis for that
decision—security concerns raised under Guideline F (Financial Considerations) of Department of
Defense Directive 5220.6 (Jan. 2, 1992, as amended) (Directive).  Applicant requested that the case
be decided on the written record.  On March 3, 2017, after considering the record, Defense Office
of Hearings and Appeals Administrative Judge Juan J. Rivera denied Applicant’s request for a
security clearance.  Applicant appealed pursuant to the Directive ¶¶ E3.1.28 and E3.1.30.
In his appeal brief Applicant states that he does not believe the Judge made a wrong decision
in his case.  He also states that he has paid off several of his creditors, has made progress toward
improving his financial situation, and is willing to provide the Appeal Board with additional
information, if requested.
The Appeal Board’s authority to review a case is limited to cases in which the appealing
party has alleged the Judge committed harmful error.  It does not review cases de novo. Applicant
has not made an allegation of harmful error.  Therefore, the decision of the Judge denying Applicant
a security clearance is AFFIRMED.
Signed: Michael Y. Ra’anan      
Michael Y. Ra’anan
Administrative Judge
Chairperson, Appeal Board
Signed: James E. Moody              
James E. Moody
Administrative Judge
Member, Appeal Board
Signed: William S. Fields          
William S. Fields
Administrative Judge
Member, Appeal Board