KEYWORDS: Survivor Benefits Plan; SBP DIGEST: The burden of proving the existence of a valid claim against the United States is on the person asserting the claim. The claimant must prove by clear and convincing evidence on the written record that the government is liable under the law for the amount claimed. Payment of a claim may only be made for an expense authorized by statute or regulation. When the language of a statute is clear on its face, the plain meaning of the statute will be given effect, and that plain meaning cannot be altered or extended by administrative action. CASE NO: 2019-CL-050704.2 DATE: March 16, 2021