IN THE CASE OF:	  

		BOARD DATE:	  11 September 2012

		DOCKET NUMBER:  AR20120005240


THE BOARD CONSIDERED THE FOLLOWING EVIDENCE:

1.  Application for correction of military records (with supporting documents provided, if any).

2.  Military Personnel Records and advisory opinions (if any).


THE APPLICANT'S REQUEST, STATEMENT, AND EVIDENCE:

1.  The applicant requests correction of his DD Form 214 (Report of Separation from Active Duty) to show his social security number (SSN) as "XXX-X8-XXXX" instead of "XXX-X4-XXXX."

2.  The applicant states the SSN on his DD Form 214 is incorrect.

3.  The applicant provides his DD Form 214 and a copy of his social security card.

CONSIDERATION OF EVIDENCE:

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 Army Board for Correction of Military Records (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.  While it appears the applicant did not file within the time frame provided in the statute of limitations, the ABCMR has elected to conduct a substantive review of this case and, only to the extent relief, if any, is granted, has determined it is in the interest of justice to excuse the applicant's failure to timely file.  In all other respects, there are insufficient bases to waive the statute of limitations for timely filing.

2.  On 16 September 1972 prior to his enlistment in the Regular Army, the applicant completed a DD Form 398 (Statement of Personal History) wherein he listed his SSN as "XXX-X8-XXXX."  He authenticated this form by placing his signature in the appropriate place.

3.  On 19 October 1972, he enlisted in the Regular Army.  Item 1 (Service Number/Social Security Account Number) of his DD Form 4 (Enlistment Contract – Armed Forces of the United States) shows his SSN as 
"XXX-X8-XXXX."  He authenticated this form by placing his signature in the appropriate place.

4.  On 9 September 1974, his DA Form 2-1 (Personnel Qualification Record – Part II) was created listing his SSN as "XXX-X8-XXXX."  He authenticated this form by placing his signature in the appropriate block.

5.  On 15 October 1975, he was honorably released from active duty and transferred to the U.S. Army Reserve.  Item 3 (SSN) of his DD Form 214 shows his SSN as "XXX-X4-XXXX."  He authenticated this form by placing his signature in the appropriate block.

6.  His record contains various documents that show both the requested SSN (XXX-X8-XXXX) and the contested SSN (XXX-X4-XXXX); however, the vast majority of documents show his SSN as "XXX-X8-XXXX."

7.  He submitted a copy of his social security card that shows his SSN as 
"XXX-X8-XXXX."

8.  Army Regulation 635-5 (Separation Documents) establishes the standardized policy for preparing and distributing the DD Form 214.  The regulation directs that the purpose of the separation document is to provide the individual with documentary evidence of his or her military service.  It is important that information entered on the form should be complete and accurate.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS:

The evidence of record shows the applicant accurately represented his SSN as "XXX-X8-XXXX" upon enlistment in the Regular Army.  It appears that his DD Form 214 was prepared incorrectly and he did not notice his SSN was incorrect prior to authenticating the form.  Nonetheless, the majority of the documents in his record show his SSN as "XXX-X8-XXXX," consistent with his SSN as shown on his social security card.  Therefore, it would be appropriate to grant relief by correcting his DD Form 214 to show his correct SSN.


BOARD VOTE:

____x___  ____x___  ____x___  GRANT FULL RELIEF 

________  ________  ________  GRANT PARTIAL RELIEF 

________  ________  ________  GRANT FORMAL HEARING

________  ________  ________  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 deleting the current SSN from item 3 of his DD Form 214 and replacing it with the SSN shown on his social security card.



      _____________x____________
                   CHAIRPERSON
      
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.

ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont)                                         AR20100012506



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ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont)                                         AR20120005240



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