Claim by Army Member for Travel Expenses Incurred When His Dependents Were Sent Home Due to a Family Emergency

In reviewing an Army member's claim for travel expenses incurred when his dependents went home due to a verified family emergency, GAO concurred with the Army's denial of the claim. However, it appears that the situation presented in this case is a recurring one which might be a basis for an amendment or addition to the Joint Travel Regulations. As typified by this case, in many instances dependents travel in personal emergency situations where only a short visit is contemplated. However, after the member's return from overseas, the situation developed where, had all the facts been known, travel would have been requested under applicable regulations. Legislative history does not preclude reimbursement of dependent travel in such situations. Accordingly, GAO would consider an amendment to the Joint Travel Regulations authorizing reimbursement for dependent travel if the appropriate official makes a determination after travel has been performed that advance return travel should be approved.