Retroactive Salary Increase

An individual appealed a decision in which his claim for a retroactive adjustment of his step-placement and backpay was denied. The claimant was appointed to the position of attorney-adviser. The announcement for the vacancy incorrectly listed the salary. An amended announcement listed the salary change, but the claimant neither saw the new announcement nor was he advised of the correct salary. The claimant's supervisor sought the authority to adjust his salary, and the Office of Personnel Management authorized the adjustment. The variation was granted on the basis of his superior qualifications to relieve the hardship caused by his relocation. However, GAO held that a retroactive adjustment was not authorized under the Back Pay Act. Accordingly, the prior decision was sustained.