[Response to Request for Advance Decision Concerning Legality of Reimbursing Army Employee for Relocation Expenses]

The Army requested an advance decision concerning an employee's claim for additional relocation expenses he incurred as a result of a transfer. GAO noted that the employee jointly purchased a home at his new duty station with his fiancee. GAO held that a transferred employee is entitled to only the extent of his interest when he holds title with someone who is not a member of his immediate family. Accordingly, the Army should reimburse the employee for 50 percent of his allowable residence transaction expenses.