[Decision on FWS Employee's Entitlement to Restoration of Forfeited Annual Leave]

The Fish and Wildlife Service requested a decision regarding an employee's entitlement to restoration of annual leave he forfeited after an extended illness near the end of a year. The employee scheduled the leave but subsequently became ill and did not use it. Upon his return, his supervisor informed him that no annual leave would be authorized for the remainder of the year. GAO held that: (1) the fact that the employee did not attempt to reschedule the leave was irrelevant, since the attempt would have been fruitless; and (2) the employee was entitled to full restoration of the forfeited leave. Accordingly, FWS should adjust the employee's leave account to reflect the restored balance.