CFR > Title 32 - National Defense > SUBTITLE A—Department of Defense > CHAPTER V—DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY (parts 400 to 668) > SUBCHAPTER B—CLAIMS AND ACCOUNTS (parts 534 to 538) > PART 536—CLAIMS AGAINST THE UNITED STATES > SUBPART B—Investigation and Processing of Claims (§536.22 to §536.72) > 536.59—Settlement or approval authority.

536.59—Settlement or approval authority.

“Settlement authority” is a statutory term (10 U.S.C. 2735) meaning that officer authorized to approve, deny or compromise a claim, or make final action. “Approval authority” means the officer empowered to settle, pay or compromise a claim in full or in part, provided the claimant agrees. “Final action authority” means the officer empowered to deny or make a final offer on a claim. Determining the proper officer empowered to approve or make final action on a claim depends on the claims statute involved and any limitations that apply under that statute. DA Pam 27-162, paragraph 2-69, outlines how various authority is delegated among offices.