[Request for Reconsideration of Claims Group's Denial of Army Reservist's Claim for Reimbursement of Medical Expenses]

An Army reservist claimed reimbursement for medical expenses incident to an active duty training injury, contending that: (1) he believed that he had obtained approval from the proper authority; (2) the injury necessitated emergency care; and (3) there was no government health facility near his residence. GAO held that the claimant: (1) relied on a fellow reservist's advice regarding medical expense authorization; (2) received follow-up rather than emergency care; and (3) lived within 19 miles of a federal medical center. Accordingly, the claim was denied.