Just *maybe* this reimbursement was a bit over the top, even by Washington/Philadelphia standards.
It's hard to say if it was a bonus or her expenses. The situation is being investigated, even as the agency is defending her.


http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015...hiladelphia-di/

The Department of Veterans Affairs’ Office of Inspector General is investigating the nearly $300,000 relocation bonus paid to a senior VA official when she was transferred from Washington to lead the Philadelphia regional office last year.

In a letter to House Veterans Affairs Chairman Jeff Miller, Deputy Inspector General Richard Griffin said his office is “reviewing the documentation” of the $288,206 in payments to Philadelphia VA Director Diana Rubens. She received about $250,000 more than than the average relocation expense normally paid to VA officials.

Mr. Miller, Florida Republican, asked for an investigation earlier this month.

There are also questions being raised about the sale of Ms. Rubens‘ house in Alexandria, Virginia, last year to facilitate her move. According to property records, she sold it in July 2014 for $770,000. But in February, the 2,700-square-foot house was sold again for $692,500 — at a time when real estate prices in the region are rising.

The VA said its payments to Ms. Rubens were appropriate.

“Ms. Rubens is one of [the agency’s] most experienced and highly skilled senior leaders, having led the operations of VBA’s entire field organization for many years,” the VA said in a statement. “In filling the position of the director of the Philadelphia Regional Office, VA recognized that its very best leader was needed to address the complex challenges and issues faced by the office and its employees.”

Read more: http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015.../#ixzz3VuNYDqOA
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