Indebtedness for Shipment of Household Goods Upon Release From Active Duty

A Public Health Service (PHS) doctor appealed a decision by the PHS that he was liable for the expense of shipping his household goods from Fairbanks, Alaska, to Saskatchewan, Canada, incident to his retirement from the PHS on April 1, 1974. His household goods were turned over to a carrier under a Government Bill of Lading (GBL) on May 29, 1975. Although the GBL was dated March 6, 1975, the PHS found the doctor indebted for $18,174.23 since the household goods were not turned over to the carrier for shipment within 1 year following his relief from active duty, as required by regulations. The doctor contended that he was prevented from moving earlier because of snow conditions in his driveway. In addition, he was advised by the transportation officer at the Alaska Native Medical Center that there should be no problem because the GBL had been issued before the expiration of the 1-year time limitation. The determination of the PHS was upheld by GAO, however, since the household goods were not turned over to a carrier within the required 1-year period following the individual's relief from active duty. A new regulation would allow an extension of the 1-year time limitation where an unexpected event beyond the control of the member has occurred to prevent moving within the allowable period. Since this authority may not be exercised where the 1-year time limitation had expired prior to August 1, 1976, it is not applicable to this case.