KEYWORD: Guideline F
DIGEST: In his appeal brief, Applicant stated the Judge erred in finding he was 58 years old
when he was actually five years younger.  This was a harmless error because it did not likely
affect the outcome of the case. Adverse decision affirmed.
CASENO: 17-01866.a1
DATE: 12/10/2018
DATE: December 10, 2018
In Re:
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Applicant for Security Clearance
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ISCR Case No. 17-01866
APPEAL BOARD DECISION
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 July
26, 2017, 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 a decision
on the written record.  On October 5, 2018, after considering the record, Administrative Judge Gregg
A. Cervi denied Applicant’s request for a security clearance.  Applicant appealed pursuant to
Directive ¶¶ E3.1.28 and E3.1.30.
In his appeal brief, Applicant stated the Judge erred in finding he was 58 years old when he
was actually five years younger.  This was a harmless error because it did not likely affect the
outcome of the case.  See, e.g., ISCR Case No. 11-15184 at 3 (App. Bd. Jul. 25, 2013).   
 Applicant’s appeal brief raises no other allegations of error on the part of the Judge. 
However, it does contain a number of documents and assertions that are not in the record.  The
Appeal Board is prohibited from considering new evidence.  Directive ¶ E3.1.29.   
  
The Board does not review cases de novo.  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. 
Because Applicant has not made such an allegation of error, the decision of the Judge denying
Applicant a security clearance is AFFIRMED.
Signed: Michael Ra’anan        
Michael Ra’anan
Administrative Judge
Chairperson, Appeal Board
Signed: James F. Duffy            
James F. Duffy
Administrative Judge
Member, Appeal Board
Signed: Charles C. Hale            
Charles C. Hale
Administrative Judge
Member, Appeal Board
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