CORI is simply a Massachusetts criminal history report. Unless MA law allows the fact that a record is sealed for you to say that it did not occur, saying that you have no conviction is a false statement and will almost certainly cause a denial.

The best advice for GE is the same for other dealings with agencies. Tell the truth. False statements cause their own cascading problems. Understand that just because one database has been sealed doesn't mean that multiple other databases don't have the information. Employers in MA may be required to rely on CORI, but not so for CBP. CBP, of course, has everything supplied the last time.

Your suggested language, e.g., the truth with an explanation is always the best policy.