[Decision Concerning DIS Employee's Widow's Claim for Transportation Expenses]

The Defense Investigative Service (DIS) requested a decision concerning a deceased DIS employee's widow's claim for moving expenses under the Meritorious Claims Act. GAO noted that: (1) DIS transferred the employee from California to Ohio for a 2-year tour of duty; (2) the employee died prior to the end of his tour; and (3) his widow submitted a claim for moving expenses she incurred upon her return to California. GAO held that, since the employee's transfer was a permanent change of station, his widow was not entitled to reimbursement for expenses she incurred in leaving his duty area, and there was no legal basis to pay the claim. Accordingly, DIS should not reimburse the widow for her moving expenses, and GAO declined to recommend the claim to Congress under the Meritorious Claims Act.