Opinion ID: 2105633
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Entitlement to Back Pay.

Text: In arguing for a back-pay award in the district court, Smith presented a factually complex issue concerning entitlement to back pay in lieu of sick leave exhaustion prior to his July 18, 1994 discharge. Because the district court found that the discharge had been proper, it did not reach this issue. Although we are convinced that on reinstatement Smith is entitled to back pay for the period subsequent to July 18, 1994, we believe the district court, on remand, is better suited to decide whether he is also entitled to a retroactive adjustment of his sick leave exhaustion based on back-pay entitlement prior to that date. We have considered all issues presented and conclude that the judgment of the district court must be reversed. The case is remanded to that court for an order directing Smith's reinstatement and for other appropriate orders that may be required consistent with this opinion. REVERSED AND REMANDED.