[Request for Decision Concerning Entitlement of Former VA Employee to Reimbursement of Real Estate Expenses]

The Veterans Administration (VA) requested a decision concerning a former VA employee's entitlement to reimbursement for real estate expenses incident to a permanent transfer. More than a year after the transfer, the employee voluntarily separated from government service, sold her residence at her old duty station, and purchased a residence at her new duty station. GAO held that the employee was entitled to reimbursement for real estate transaction expenses because: (1) VA transferred her to the new duty station in the interest of the government; (2) the settlement dates for the sale of her old residence and purchase of her new residence were within 2 years of the date she reported for duty at her new duty station; and (3) she completed the 12 months of required service before resigning. Accordingly, VA should reimburse the employee for her real estate expenses.