B-193987.OM, L/M, FEB 29, 1980

CLAIMS DIVISION: RETURNED IS FILE Z-2714417. SOBKO'S CLAIM WAS DENIED BY SETTLEMENT DATED DECEMBER 7. S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE STANDARDIZED REGULATIONS PROVIDES THAT THE RATES FOR LQA ARE MAXIMUM AND THE EMPLOYEE RECEIVES EITHER THE MAXIMUM RATE OR THE AMOUNT OF HIS ALLOWABLE EXPENSES. WHICHEVER IS LOWER. THERE WAS NO AUTHORITY TO ALLOW ADDITIONAL EXPENSES SINCE MR. SOBKO'S LETTER OF APPEAL CONTENDS THAT THE CLAIMS DIVISION OVERLOOKED EVIDENCE WHICH INDICATED THAT HE WAS NOT PAID THE "MAXIMUM AMOUNT ALLOWABLE". PROVIDE EVIDENCE OF THE FACT THAT HE WAS NOT PAID THE "MAXIMUM AMOUNT ALLOWABLE" FOR HIS LIVING QUARTERS ALLOWANCE BECAUSE THE AMOUNT WHICH WAS TO BE ALLOWED SHOULD HAVE COVERED THE ENTIRE COST OF HIS ACTUAL QUARTERS.