(a) If an employee becomes entitled to more than one pay change at the same time, the employing agency shall process the pay changes in the order which will provide the maximum benefit, except as required by paragraph (b) of this section.

(b) If an employee becomes entitled to an increase in pay and subject to a personnel or appointment change at the same time, the increased rate of pay is deemed to be the employee's existing scheduled rate of pay when the personnel or appointment change is processed.