William G. Riplinger v. United States

KENNEDY, Circuit Judge:

Appellant Riplinger, a contract analyst for the Department of the Navy, was recruited from the private sector with the express representation that he would be employed initially at grade GS-11, step 10. Through a series of administrative errors, none attributable to Riplinger, necessary government approval for step increases was not obtained, and the maximum pay authorized by statute and regulations was GS-11, step 1. In grade GS-11, the pay for step 1 is considerably less than for step 10.

Riplinger learned of his appointment at grade GS-11, step 1, after he had entered…