[Disposition of Vouchers Relating to Coast Guard Member's Separation From Active Duty]
B-212684
Mar 13, 1984
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Highlights
GAO was asked to resolve claims filed by three former Coast Guard members for continuation of pay after the original dates of their discharges. By statute, servicemen may not be discharged until their discharge documentation and final pay have been delivered. The claimants, under varying circumstances, were separated from the Coast Guard before the appropriate documentation was delivered. GAO held that since, in each case, both the Coast Guard and the members were aware that separation had occurred, there was no effect on the legality of the discharges. Accordingly, the claims were disallowed. GAO noted that this holding should not be construed as authority to ignore the applicable statute.