If there is a YN that can answer, I appreciate it, or at least point me in the right direction to find it, I have reviewed the Pay Manual and Pers Man but cant get a clear answer

My question has to do with orders and subsequently requesting BAH rate protection. With the housing market the way it is and no activity in months on my house, I am becoming concerned about my upcoming PCS (AY10). To my knowledge wihout the list being released there may be some good choices for my career in the area, but they are in a different MHA but are within a reasonable commuting distance. My present PDS has a higher BAH and I am curious as to how orders are deemed no cost, and how to try and receive(I know it is not a guarantee)the BAH for my current PDS if I was to get orders to a PDS within commuting distance with a lower BAH rate. Thank you and I hope I worded this correctly so it is understanable.

Current situation
Also I have a dependant in special needs. If I get the duty station I want I will not move my house, but the orders will not be within 50 miles of the old PDS just my house. Live in southern Maine - sttioned now in Boston - commute 70 miles if I get orders to say portland (35 Miles from my house) can I keep my Boston BAH - Different sectors, but no cost to move me.

I am jsut in the planning stages can curious as to how I would go about this.
Thank you

here you go from the people who make the rules.

http://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/perdiem/bahfaq.html

In short, if you get transfered to Maine you will get the Maine rates. There is no rate protection to you in that situtation. If you get transferred to a Critical Housing Area (CHA) and leave your family behind then you may be able to keep the Boston rate.