# 2014-090 - Compassionate Travel Assistance (CTA)

Compassionate Travel Assistance (CTA)

Case Summary

F&R Date: 2014–10–27

The grievor submitted a Compassionate Travel Assistance (CTA) claim for travel costs related to tending to his parents' affairs after they were involved in a car accident in 2006. The claim was originally misplaced for several years and the travel costs related to his mother's funeral were subsequently denied on the basis that his leave record did not show that he had been granted Compassionate Leave for the period in question. The grievor provided documentation that clearly showed he was travelling during that period and a copy of his mother's death certificate, which also demonstrated that he was away from his post for compassionate reasons.

The Initial Authority denied the grievance on the basis of the absence of authorized leave in the grievor's leave record. The Committed had to determine if the grievor was entitled to CTA for travel costs associated to his mother's funeral in accordance with the applicable policy.

The Committee reviewed article 209.51(3) – Compassionate Travel Assistance, of the Compensation and Benefits Instructions, and determined that the grievor was eligible for the benefit but that the missing documentation on whether he was granted compassionate leave impeded the processing of his claim. The Committee found that there was sufficient evidence to support the grievor's claim. His Commanding Officer (CO) of the day indicated that, given the unique circumstances of this tragic event, he remembers clearly that the grievor had been granted Compassionate Leave for the entire period in which he tended to his parents' affairs. Given his former CO's statement, the Committee found that the grievor was travelling under authorized leave for compassionate reasons. Therefore, whether the omission in properly documenting the leave was attributable to his Orderly Room or was an oversight of his Chain of Command, the grievor should not be penalized for the error or omissions of others.

The Committee recommended that the CTA claim be apporved.

CDS Decision Summary

CDS Decision Date: 2015–02–24

The CDS agreed with the Committee's findings and recommendation that the grievance be upheld.

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