[Request for Decision Concerning Payment of VA Employee's Travel Expenses]

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) requested a decision concerning which agency was responsible for paying a VA employee's travel expenses incident to a Coast Guard hearing summons, contending that: (1) statutory authorities that the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) cited to hold VA responsible did not apply; and (2) the Coast Guard should pay the employee's expenses, since the hearings concerned matters related to the employee's prior Coast Guard employment. GAO held that the: (1) statutory provisions and regulations were applicable to the hearings; and (2) employee was in an official duty status while under summons. Accordingly, VA should pay the employee's travel expenses and the Coast Guard should reimburse VA if the EEOC hearing officer so held.