[Coast Guard Officer's Claim for Variable Housing Allowance]

The Coast Guard requested a decision concerning whether an officer was entitled to a variable housing allowance (VHA) while on active duty and residing in bachelor officer quarters (BOQ). The claimant contended that he was entitled to basic allowance for quarters because he was required to make child support payments, and he voluntarily accepted government quarters. GAO held that the claimant's child support payments and voluntary acceptance of allegedly inadequate housing did not entitle him to VHA benefits while residing in BOQ. Accordingly, the claim was denied.