BOARD DATE:	  29 January 2013

		DOCKET NUMBER:  AR20120012880 


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-XX-9XXX" instead of "XXX-XX-5XXX."

2.  The applicant states:

* there is an error on his DD Form 214
* his SSN is "XXX-XX-5XXX"

3.  The applicant provides:

* social security card
* documentation from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
* DD Form 214

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.  The applicant's DD Form 398 (Statement of Personal History), dated 19 February 1974, shows his SSN as "XXX-XX-5XXX."  His DD Form 4 (Enlistment Contract – Armed Forces of the United States) shows he enlisted in the Regular Army on 28 February 1974 for a period of 3 years.  His DD Form 4 shows his SSN as "XXX-XX-5XXX."  On 29 September 1976, he was discharged under honorable conditions.

3.  His DD Form 214 shows his SSN as "XXX-XX-5XXX."

4.  All of his service personnel records show his SSN as "XXX-XX-5XXX."

5.  He provides correspondence from the IRS and a copy of his social security card that shows his SSN as "XXX-XX-9XXX."

6.  Army Regulation 635-5 (Separation Documents) prescribes the separation documents prepared for Soldiers upon retirement, discharge, or release from active military service or control of the Army.  It establishes 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 duty.  It provides a brief, clear-cut record of active Army service at the time of release from active duty, retirement, or discharge.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS:

1.  The applicant contends the SSN shown on his DD Form 214 is incorrect and should read "XXX-XX-9XXX."  However, the evidence of record shows the SSN "XXX-XX-5XXX" was used exclusively when he enlisted in the Regular Army in 1974 and when he was discharged in 1976.

2.  For historical purposes, the Army has an interest in maintaining the accuracy of its records.  The data and information contained in those records should reflect the conditions and circumstances that existed at the time the records were created.  In the absence of a showing of material error or injustice, there is a reluctance to recommend that those records be changed.  While it is understandable the applicant desires to now record his current SSN in his military records, there is not a sufficiently compelling reason for compromising the integrity of the Army's records at this late date.

3.  The applicant is advised that a copy of this decisional document will be filed in his Army Military Human Resource Record (AMHRR), formerly known as the Official Military Personnel File.  This should serve to clarify any questions or confusion in regard to the difference in the SSN recorded in his military record and to satisfy his desire to have his current SSN documented in his AMHRR.

4.  In view of the foregoing, there is no basis for granting the applicant's request.

BOARD VOTE:

________  ________  ________  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.



      __________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)                                         AR20120012880



3


ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

 RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS


1

ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont)                                         AR20120012880



2


ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

 RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS


1