[Decision Concerning Army Employee's Claim for Reimbursement for Repair of Damaged Rental Vehicle]

The Army requested a decision concerning an employee's claim for reimbursement for damages to a rented vehicle while on temporary duty. The Army denied the claim because the accident occurred late at night and it determined that the claimant could not have been on official business. GAO held that the claimant was entitled to reimbursement, since he was on essential official business when the accident occurred. Accordingly, the claim was allowed.