He requested a waiver of repayment and a hearing as to the validity of the debt. The agency has never responded to either request. DFAS forwarded the case to this Board by letter dated January 18, 2001. The Board settles claims of or against the United States Government which involve expenses incurred by federal civilian employees for official travel and transportation, and for relocation expenses incident to transfers of official duty station. A claim may be filed here filed only after it has been adjudicated by the agency involved.
Filing occurs in one of two ways.
A case may be submitted by a claimant. The Board also considers claims, when requested by an agency disbursing or certifying official, or an agency head, pursuant to 31 U.S.C. 3529. These requests must involve a claim for payment for travel or relocation expenses which is before the agency and as to which the agency seeks formal advice before making a determination. Rules 501, 502. Mr. Qatsha did not submit a claim to us, and he did not ask DFAS to forward a claim to us.