Due-process sequence

DCSA states that an unfavorable personnel-security case provides administrative due process. The process can include a Statement of Reasons identifying the security concerns, a written response, and—under current DCSA procedures—a virtual personal appearance before a senior adjudicator before a final determination.

Appeal authority depends on population

For DoD military and civilian personnel, DCSA states that an appeal may proceed in writing to the component Personnel Security Appeals Board or through a DOHA personal appearance, with the PSAB making the final appeal decision. Contractor/industry cases use a different DOHA structure.

Build the clearance file

• Statement of Reasons and enclosures
• Records relied upon by adjudicators
• Written rebuttal and supporting evidence
• Mitigation evidence and references
• Personal-appearance submission and record
• Final adjudication and appeal decision
• Security-manager communications and DISS status information

DCSA instructs individuals seeking the records underlying a Statement of Reasons to follow the records-request directions included with the SOR package. The security manager or Facility Security Officer is ordinarily the first operational contact for a pending case.

Official sources

• DCSA — Trust Decision (Adjudications)
• DCSA — DISS
• DOHA — Personal Appearance Program
• DoD Manual 5200.02 — Personnel Security Program

Source status: SRC-074; SRC-075; SRC-076; SRC-082 verified October 4, 2026. Use the current decision notice and service-specific procedure when it is more specific than this navigation guide.