Authorization to Reimburse the Cost of Transportation of Military Personnel's Stepchild

The Disbursing Officer of the Department of the Army requested GAO's opinion on whether he should make payment on a voucher in favor of the Army's Chief warrant officer, for reimbursement of the cost of transportation of his stepchild (six years old) from Alabama, to Louisiana, the travel having been performed during the period February 8 to 14, 1949, pursuant to orders dated February 7, 1949, which authorized the employee's dependents (wife, child, and stepchild) to proceed as indicated to Louisiana. Doubt was expressed as to whether the stepchild, who is in receipt of a $58 monthly pension from the Veterans Administration, is in fact dependent upon the officer within the meaning of the law. GAO held that the evidence submitted is not sufficient to establish that the stepchild is in fact dependent upon the Chief Warrant Officer within the meaning of the statutory provisions here involved. Accordingly, the voucher should not be certified for payment.