USAO Security Clearances Forum

[Anonymous User]

This question is a bit academic because honesty is the only correct policy for these things. That said, even for the best of us it’s a pain in the ass.

Question: I know some offices use SF86 and have heard others use SF85. Is this true? I’m just trying to figure out why the lack of uniformity.

[Anonymous User]

I have only ever heard of the SF86 being used (experience in 3 offices). I don’t know if there’s any difference for civil vs. criminal though, or student vs. attorney.

[Anonymous User]

OP here:

So here’s my specific question. Q23 was revised in 2017 such that you only have to disclose mental health conditions that “substantially adversely affect” your judgement.

The lawyer in me would say, based off that wording, that you wouldn’t need to disclose general anxiety for which you receive a low-dose med. (or for that matter mild depression).

Surprisingly, there is little discussion about this on the web.

I know the easy answer is “just disclose,” but that’s not the question— do you legally have to?

[Anonymous User]

I wouldn't worry about it. Either way, it shouldn't affect you

[Anonymous User]

I wouldn't worry about it. Either way, it shouldn't affect you

This is a weirdly non-responsive answer. I assume if this person is asking it’s because they have to fill one of these out.

You’re right that this has changed since I went through the clearance - you used to have to report most kinds of mental health treatment and then your provider had to give a letter saying it didn’t adversely affect your judgment etc.

I tend to agree that you wouldn’t have to disclose treatment if you’re fine on your meds. The instructions suggest that, even though the specific examples they give are all situational (military service, DV, etc).

And the problem with “just disclose” here is that you wouldn’t be disclosing a mental health condition, but that it adversely affects your judgment etc, which you obviously don’t want to do unless it’s true. I suppose in the end it depends on whether you honestly believe that your mental health condition actually does adversely affect you? I think it would be very hard to answer that question “yes,” but if someone has severe depression such that they can’t get out of bed on a regular basis and miss appointments, for instance, that would probably qualify.

Unfortunately I haven’t heard anyone talk about this either so this is just my best guess.