[Claim for Deceased Navy Member's Unpaid Retirement Pay]

The brother of a deceased Navy member claimed entitlement to the decedent's unpaid retirement pay, contending that the adoption of the decedent's children by their stepfather severed any relationship between the decedent and the children. GAO held that the: (1) adoption does not affect the father-child relationship for the purpose of the decedent's estate; and (2) decendent's children, although adopted by another, are entitled to his unpaid retirement pay. Accordingly, the claim was denied and the children should be contacted and advised of the decision.