Printing - FECA-PT2 - National Association of Letter Carriers

send an approval letter along with a written agreement which details the terms and conditions of
the authorization (see Exhibits 1-4).
d. If the recommendations are denied, in whole or in part, a formal decision with appeal rights
is to be drafted for the signature of a SrCE or higher. If the recommendations require further
development, the case should be returned to the CE with appropriate comments and instructions.
2-1800-9 Payment for Modifications
9. Payment for Modifications.
a. SrCEs are required to review all proposals and may authorize housing and vehicle
modifications in amounts up to $50,000. Supervisory Claims Examiners are authorized to approve
housing and vehicle modifications in amounts up to $100,000. Housing and vehicle modifications
in amounts over $100,000 are to be approved by the Assistant District Director or District Director.
b. Bills including installation work or construction work must be accompanied by the claimant's
(or the RC’s) statement showing that the work covered by the payment has been accomplished
satisfactorily. Construction expenses should be
paid promptly as the job progresses, to coincide with "draws" on the claimant's construction
contract.
2-1800-10 Later Requests for Modification
10. Later Requests for Modification. After a vehicle or house has been modified, the claimant may
request modification of a different vehicle or house.
a. Vehicle. It is expected that even a vehicle which is regularly maintained will eventually
require replacement. Its value should be determined by the lowest current Blue Book figure when
the vehicle is sold, by the actual purchase price, or by the trade-in value, whichever is highest.
The amount should be subtracted from the cost of any new vehicle authorized.
b. House. Payment for modification of a subsequent house for both home owners and renters
may be authorized under very limited circumstances. Any subsequent move must be undertaken
for a reason related to the claim, and detailed rationale should be provided before the move is to
occur. Acceptable reasons include the need to obtain more sophisticated medical care or a medical
need to live in a different environment. Reasons not accepted as justification for modification of a
different house include personal preference for a
different locale or the desire to be closer to family for additional support. If the reason given is
deemed acceptable, the CE should document the file to reflect this decision so that any expenditure
in modifying the new house can be justified. See e.g. John Yera, Docket No. 00-2476 (issued June
18, 2002) (ECAB held that OWCP was within its guidelines and discretion in denying appellant's
request for a modification of a different residence as appellant voluntarily transferred to Virginia in
an effort to utilize his specialized skills in the area of Internet crimes. ECAB found that the reasons
advanced by appellant for accepting the position in Virginia were neither persuasive nor convincing
to justify an approval of a modification to a second home.)
FECA-PT2 Printed: 06/08/2010 727