B-143560, SEP. 14, 1960

B-143560, SEP. 14, 1960

TO MR. F. E. LAMBERT, AUTHORIZED CERTIFYING OFFICER, HEADQUARTERS, UNITED STATES COAST GUARD:

BY FIRST ENDORSEMENT DATED JULY 1, 1960, THE COMMANDANT, HEADQUARTERS, UNITED STATES COAST GUARD, FORWARDED YOUR LETTER OF THE SAME DATE, WITH ENCLOSURES, REQUESTING DECISION AS TO THE DEPENDENCY STATUS OF THE MOTHER OF LIEUTENANT COMMANDER GEORGE H. WELLER (3452), USCG, FOR THE PURPOSE OF THE OFFICER'S ENTITLEMENT TO HER TRANSPORTATION AT GOVERNMENT EXPENSE INCIDENT TO A PERMANENT CHANGE OF STATION UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 303 (C) OF THE CAREER COMPENSATION ACT OF 1949, 63 STAT. 814, AS AMENDED, AND THE JOINT TRAVEL REGULATIONS.

THE DEPENDENTS ASSISTANCE ACT OF 1950, 64 STAT. 794, AS AMENDED, AUTHORIZES THE SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT CONCERNED, OR SUCH OTHER PERSON OR PERSONS AS HE MAY DESIGNATE, TO MAKE DETERMINATIONS OF THE DEPENDENCY OF PARENTS OF MEMBERS OF THE UNIFORMED SERVICES AND PROVIDES THAT SUCH DETERMINATIONS SHALL BE FINAL AND CONCLUSIVE FOR ALL PURPOSES AND NOT SUBJECT TO REVIEW BY ANY ACCOUNTING OFFICER OF THE GOVERNMENT, EXCEPT FOR CASES INVOLVING FRAUD OR GROSS NEGLIGENCE. SEE 30 COMP. GEN. 282. HENCE, WE MAY NOT RENDER A DECISION AS TO THE DEPENDENCY STATUS OF THE MOTHER OF LIEUTENANT COMMANDER WELLER.