[Decision Concerning Appeal of Claims Group's Settlement of Claim for Arrears of Deceased Navy Member's Retired Pay]

The sister of a deceased Navy member claimed the arrears of her brother's retired pay, contending that she was entitled to the funds, since the member was legally divorced from his wife at the time of his death, and his will designated her as the beneficiary. GAO held that the: (1) claimant was not entitled to the funds, since she was not designated as the recipient on the member's beneficiary form; and (2) member's former wife was listed as the beneficiary and was entitled to the funds. Accordingly, the claim was denied.