[Request for Reconsideration of Claim for Severance Pay]

A former Bureau of Mines employee requested reconsideration of the Claims Groups denial of her claim for severance pay. When the Bureau of Mines facility where she was employed relocated, the claimant refused to accompany the transfer and resigned, claiming that her resignation was an involuntary separation because the facility's new location was outside the commuting area. GAO stated that where an employee's claim for severance pay by reason of involuntary separation was based upon the contention that her position was moved to another commuting area, the employee must also establish that she was forced to relocate her residence because of the change in commuting areas. The claimant did not establish to the agency's satisfaction that the relocation would necessitate the employee's moving her residence to continue employment. GAO will not question an agency's determination on commuting area or necessity of relocation unless that determination was arbitrary, capricious, or clearly erroneous. GAO did not find the agency's determination to be arbitrary, capricious, or clearly erroneous. Accordingly, the Claims Group's decision was affirmed.