How to Write a Statement of Reasons Rebuttal Letter (Includes Sample Language)

You Just Got a Statement of Reasons—Now What?

Your heart sinks as you open the letter: your security clearance has been denied or revoked. Attached is a “Statement of Reasons” (SOR)—pages of allegations that now stand between you and your career.

You’re anxious, confused, maybe even angry. You’ve worked hard to earn the government’s trust. Now you’re being told that past debt, a dismissed arrest, or a questionable polygraph response means you’re a risk.

The good news? This isn’t the end of the road.

You have the right to respond. A well-written SOR rebuttal letter is your first—and sometimes only—chance to set the record straight and avoid a full-blown clearance hearing. At National Security Law Firm, we’ve helped countless federal employees, military members, and contractors turn things around at this exact stage.

This blog will explain exactly how to write a powerful, strategic SOR rebuttal letter—including sample language and best practices. Let’s get your career back on track.

What Is a Statement of Reasons (SOR)?

A Statement of Reasons is a formal notice issued by an adjudicating authority (usually the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency) explaining why your clearance is being denied or revoked. It outlines the facts and applicable Adjudicative Guidelines that allegedly disqualify you.

Commonly cited guidelines include:

• Guideline F – Financial Considerations

• Guideline E – Personal Conduct

• Guideline B – Foreign Influence

• Guideline G – Alcohol Consumption

• Guideline D – Sexual Behavior

You usually have 20 to 30 days to submit a written response. Don’t ignore the deadline. If you don’t respond, the government can make the denial final.

Why Your Rebuttal Letter Matters

Your rebuttal is your chance to dispute the allegations or provide mitigating evidence that proves you are still trustworthy, reliable, and loyal to the United States.

If you respond thoroughly and strategically, the government may:

✅ Withdraw the SOR
✅ Reinstate or continue processing your clearance
✅ Avoid sending your case to a hearing

But a vague, late, or defensive letter can sink your chances. That’s why precision, tone, and legal strategy matter.

How to Structure Your SOR Rebuttal Letter

Here’s a simple framework:

1. Heading and Reference Information
Include your name, SSN (last 4), case number, and the date.

2. Opening Statement
Acknowledge the SOR and your intent to respond in full.

3. Point-by-Point Rebuttal
Go allegation-by-allegation. For each paragraph in the SOR, write a matching numbered response. Admit where necessary, correct errors, and present mitigation.

4. Supporting Exhibits
Attach documents (e.g., court records, tax returns, proof of counseling, letters of recommendation) that back up your claims. Label and reference them clearly.

5. Closing Summary
Reiterate your loyalty, responsibility, and eligibility. Politely request reinstatement or continued processing.

Sample Language (Hypothetical)

Subject: SOR Rebuttal – Case #12345

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing in response to the Statement of Reasons dated June 15, 2025, which outlines concerns under Guideline F – Financial Considerations. I respectfully submit this written rebuttal to explain the circumstances and provide documentation that mitigates these concerns.

Allegation 1: “You have an unpaid credit card balance of $12,000 that has been delinquent since 2022.”

Response 1: I acknowledge the past due balance; however, this debt resulted from emergency medical expenses not covered by insurance. Since then, I have enrolled in a payment plan and have made 10 consecutive monthly payments. (See Exhibit A: Payment history and credit counseling certificate.)

Allegation 2: “You failed to disclose a prior arrest on your SF-86.”

Response 2: This is incorrect. The 2016 arrest referenced in the SOR was fully disclosed on Section 22.2 of my SF-86 and occurred while I was a college student. The charges were dropped, and the case was expunged. (See Exhibit B: Expungement Order and SF-86 excerpt.)

I respectfully request that these concerns be viewed in context and that my clearance eligibility be reinstated. I have always acted in good faith and remain committed to national security and public service.

Sincerely,
John Doe

Why You Need a Lawyer for Your SOR Response

Writing a Statement of Reasons (SOR) rebuttal letter is not just about explaining your side of the story—it’s about legal strategy, national security policy, and persuasion. The stakes are high: your clearance, career, and credibility are all on the line. And you may only get one shot to respond before a final denial.

Here’s why having an experienced clearance attorney is critical:

1. The Language You Use Matters

Your tone, structure, and wording will all be closely scrutinized by trained adjudicators. Defensive or emotional responses can backfire. An attorney helps ensure your rebuttal is professional, persuasive, and consistent with the Adjudicative Guidelines.

2. You Need to Mitigate, Not Just Explain

It’s not enough to say “that’s not true” or “this isn’t fair.” You must mitigate the government’s concerns using legally recognized factors like rehabilitation, passage of time, and changed circumstances. Clearance lawyers understand how to frame your response using those standards.

3. Adjudicators Expect Evidence, Not Excuses

We know what kinds of evidence make a difference—credit reports, therapy records, affidavits, service evaluations, polygraphs, financial plans, and more. We help you build a compelling evidentiary packet, not just a narrative.

4. A Weak Response Can Lock You Into a Hearing

Many applicants try to write their own rebuttals and end up making the situation worse—admitting to the wrong things, missing deadlines, or providing irrelevant or inflammatory materials. This often triggers a full hearing, which is far more complex and costly. A strong lawyer-drafted rebuttal can resolve the matter early.

5. You Only Get One Chance to Avoid Revocation

Once your clearance is formally denied, you may have to wait 12 months or longer before reapplying—and some agencies will not sponsor you again. The SOR response is your last, best chance to keep your clearance intact without interruption.

Hypothetical Example:
A federal contractor receives an SOR under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) due to a spouse’s dual citizenship and family members abroad. He writes his own response, simply stating he’s “not a threat” and that he’s “never discussed classified information” with family. The clearance is denied. With a lawyer, he could have submitted documentation showing U.S. ties, bank accounts, travel logs, job performance, and a sworn declaration outlining boundaries with foreign relatives—all standard mitigation factors under SEAD 4. That could have changed the outcome entirely.

Our Flat Fees and Financing Options

We know this process is overwhelming—and that legal fees are a real concern. That’s why we offer transparent flat-fee pricing for every stage of the security clearance process:

We also offer legal financing through Pay Later by Affirm. Spread your payments over 3 to 24 months—with no impact on your credit score to check eligibility. That way, you can afford elite representation when it matters most.

Why Choose National Security Law Firm?

You only get one shot to rebut your SOR. Make it count—with a team that knows the terrain.

Here’s why NSLF is the top-rated firm for clearance defense:

✅ 4.9-Star Google Reviews from past clients
✅ Founded by veterans and former federal employees who’ve issued, revoked, and defended clearances
✅ Nationwide representation for military, federal employees, and contractors
✅ Weekly “Attorney Review Board” to strategize on complex cases
✅ Flat fees, no hidden costs, and clear legal guidance every step of the way
✅ Focused solely on federal and military law—it’s all we do

📣 National Security Law Firm: It’s Our Turn to Fight for You.

Additional Resources

If you’ve received an SOR, don’t stop here. Visit our Security Clearance Practice Area Page to access:

• Expert strategies to win your case

• The most common mistakes people make—and how to avoid them

• Defense tactics for each adjudicative guideline

• Tips on whether you need a lawyer and how to find the right one

• Insightful breakdowns of the entire clearance process

We’ve packed our parent page with practical, click-worthy content designed to empower and inform.

We Can Help You Fix This—Let’s Talk

The clock is ticking. Most SORs give you less than 30 days to respond. If you wait too long, your clearance denial could become final—and your job, unrecoverable.

But there’s still time to turn it around.

We’ll tell you exactly what to do next to get the best possible outcome. The sooner you reach out, the sooner you can get back to work, restore your clearance, and move forward with confidence.

✨ The consultation is free. The process is fast. And the results could change your future.

👉 Book your consultation today.
Let us help you fight back—strategically, powerfully, and professionally.