Ask the Lawyer received the following question (paraphrased for easier reading and clarity) from a reader on a legal matter that might be of interest to the entire audience.
Q:
I am a civil servant working in Yokosuka, Japan. Earlier this year, I received a decision on the Living Quarters Allowance (LQA) Claim that I filed with the Office of Personnel Management nearly one year prior. My claim was declined, and, after reviewing the decision, I immediately saw several issues with the information presented by the signatory.
For a while, I was reassured that everything was going to be okay and was verbally told that I was approved. LQA is currently about $64,000 a year per person, with family, in the Yokosuka area.
I also emailed the OPM Inspector General with concerns I had with several statements in the Decision, but I have yet to receive a reply.
What should I do?
A:
Several LQA claims have been successfully litigated at the U.S. Court of Federal Claims. You have a six year statute of limitation (starting in 2009) and should obtain legal representation, particular considering the amount of money in dispute.
Bill Bransford is managing partner of Shaw Bransford & Roth PC.
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