The Air Force Judge Advocate General's Corps is consolidating the processing of certain claims --commonly known as personnel claims -- at a single location in Dayton, Ohio.
These claims involve loss or damage during shipment of household goods and privately owned vehicles as well as during storage at Government expense, and loss or damage to personal property located in government quarters or other authorized locations incident to government service.
Other types of trauma-related claims, such as those resulting from the alleged negligence of a Government vehicle driver, for example, will continue to be processed at the base legal office.
For personnel claims, the new process will enable Air Force employees to file claims on-line and electronically submit required documents to the Air Force Claims Service (AFCSC) in Ohio. Employees can complete the process from home after a one-time login on any government computer.
As employees complete their claims on-line, they can get customer service over the web or from the center by phone. Not only will the on-line filing system accelerate the processing of the claim, it will allow for quicker payment.
The pink form (DD Form 1840/1840R, entitled "Joint Statement of Loss or Damage at Delivery/Notice of Loss and/or Damage"), will continue to be submitted within 70 days from the date of delivery to the local base legal office. After that, the claim itself will be submitted directly to the AFCSC within two years from the date of the incident.
If you're assigned to Eielson Air Force Base, you will be able to file your claim electronically beginning immediately. For general information, see the center's public website at http://legalassistance.law.af.mil/claims or call the base legal office. You can surf over to the center's website at https://claims.jag.af.mil to file a claim, or call the Center at 1-877-754-1212 or DSN 986-8044 with questions.
Prior to the packers arriving you should contact your local TMO, and the claims specialist at the Legal office. Here on Eielson the claims office processes all claims for property lost or damaged in shipment or storage. Anyone making a claim should attend the claims briefing given Thursdays at 2pm. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 907-377-2284.
This is your move--not the government's--not the moving company's--but yours! You are entitled to disagree with how the moving company writes exceptions on the inventory. Write your remarks in the far right margin or in the remarks section of the inventory. One of the best methods of preparing for your move is to gain access to a video camera. Go through your house and videotape everything, including your TV and stereo as they are playing, and close-ups of your furniture. Show that your refrigerator does, in fact, work, along with any other electrical items (even your electric knife). Do this a few days before the movers come. If possible, date and time-code your videotape and HAND-CARRY IT. Jewelry should always be hand-carried, as well as any monies in piggy banks. Furthermore, those important papers (birth certificates, savings bonds, wills, marriage license) should not be entrusted to the moving company. Please contact your nearest Claims Section of your Legal Office for further guidance as you are planning to depart your current location.
Privately Owned Vehicles (POV)
Privately Owned Vehicles (POVs) are handled under a Global POV Contract (GPC). There are multiple Vehicle Processing Centers located worldwide. Members must follow the guidelines stated in the "Shipping Your POV" pamphlet. The pamphlet is available on-line.
Appendix A of the Global POV Contract provides detailed instructions for filing a claim for loss or damage to your vehicle occurring during a Government sponsored shipment.