GR051229DNA test results are best used to locate others researching the same male surname line, in order to solicit conventional documentation for completing an SAR application. DNA test results also have limited application in proving that an applicant is genetically descended from a particular patriot ancestor. DNA results will be allowed to prove that an applicant is descended from a patriot ancestor when there is a 90 percent probability that the most recent common ancestor of the applicant and another male descended from a known patriot ancestor was no further back than eight generations, as shown by their closely matching y-chromosome results.This is possible under the following circumstances: a. DNA results may be used in the SAR application process as one piece of supporting evidence in a “preponderance of evidence” case or as one of the additional pieces of evidence required when the applicant is relying on an old DAR Record Copy. b. An applicant’s DNA test results show a match for at least 36 of 37 markers with another male who has an accepted documented paper trail back to the patriot ancestor, providing a high assurance that their common ancestor is no further back than the documented patriot. DNA tests of the y-chromosome (passed only from father to son) would be useful only for an applicant who is attempting to prove that he is a descendant of a patriot ancestor with his surname or variation of his surname. A 37-marker test is expensive, currently exceeding $200. As forensics improves, SAR policy may be modified to permit greater use of DNA test results. |