Many clearance applicants who have delinquent debts, collections, or charges offs on their credit report believe that if they simply wait for the debts to fall off after seven years then all will be forgiven. Unfortunately, this rarely works because it is seen as a lack of responsibility and trustworthiness.

First quarter statistics from January through the end of March from the Defense Office of Hearing and Appeals (DOHA) Board shows they heard a total of 150 clearance denial appeals. Financial issues continue to outpace all other issues combined. Below is a breakdown by adjudicative category of the issues involved