[Review of Claims Group Denial of Claim for Travel Expenses]

GAO reviewed a Claims Group action which denied an Army member's claim for meal costs and other temporary duty travel expenses. Although the Army failed to pursue criminal charges, the Claims Group found evidence of fraud in the matter and denied the claim. GAO has held that: (1) lack of criminal prosecution for fraud does not preclude administrative action on a voucher where fraudulent action is strongly indicated; and (2) where any item shown on a voucher is fraudulent, it taints the entire expense claim. GAO found that, because the claimant admitted that the amounts claimed for meals were not correct, the disallowance of all temporary duty expense claims must be upheld. Accordingly, the Claims Group's settlement was sustained.